UST law school dean to frat brods: 'Act like lawyers'

DEAN

Nilo Divina of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Civil Law on Monday urged perpetrators in the fatal hazing of Horacio "Atio" Castillo III to come out and help in the ongoing investigation.

In his preliminary statement during the Senate investigation on Monday evening, Divina said he was shocked when it was relayed to him that a law student from the UST died during and initiation rites of Aegis Juris Fraternity, where he is also a member.

He said the university immediately formed an independent investigation body to probe the incident as he promised the parents of Castillo that they will get justice for the death of their son.

"I vowed to his parents that I would do everything in my power to bring those responsible to justice," Davina said.

It was also disclosed during the Senate probe that Aegis Juris Fraternity is not recognized by UST for the current school year.

The fraternity also failed to submit a notice of initiation to the university in compliance with Anti-Hazing Law, or the Republic Act 8094.

"Hazing, in any form or manner, is prohibited by UST. The manual of UST states explicitly that it is not allowed. In fact, it is a condition for recognition that the officers must undertake not to take any act of hazing," he said.

He said that there is nothing wrong in joining fraternities as it fosters camaraderie among members but "hazing is wrong in all account ".

Divina, a member of Aegis Juris Fraternity since 1986 but took a leave after he assumed the deanship of the law school eight years ago, pleaded to the those involved in the fatal hazing to come out and assist in the investigation.

He said he will make sure that perpetrators will face justice even if they are his fraternity brothers.

"I reiterate for them to surface and shed light on what had happened. This is the time for them to show courage and adherence to the law. Act like lawyers they had hoped to be and not like criminals who hide in the dark and coward in fear."

(Glaiza Jarloc/ SunStar Philippines)