Manila police asks prosecutors to charge fraternity members for death of UST student

September 25, 2017

The Manila Police District on Monday asked government prosecutors to charge John Paul Solano and 16 members of Aegis Juris fraternity for murder and other criminal charges, in connection with the death of  University of Sto. Tomas law student Horacio Castillo III due to alleged hazing.

In its complaint, the MPD accused Solano and other respondents with murder in relation to Section 4 of the Anti-Hazing Law, perjury, obstruction of justice and robbery.

Also named respondents in the complaint for murder and violation of the Anti-Hazing Law were Antonio Trangia, his son Ralph, Arvin R. Balag, Mhin Wei R. Chan, Ranie Rafael Santiago, Oliver John Audrey B. Onofre, Jason Adolfo Robiños, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Karl Mathew Villanueva, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Axel Munro Hipe, Marc Anthony Ventura, Aeron Salientes, Marcelino Bagtang, Zimon Padro and Jose Miguel Salamat.

The MPD took custody of Solano after he surfaced last Friday  before Senator Panfilo Lacson to deny he had participation in the alleged hazing of Castillo. Castillo's body was found on Sept 17 in Tondo.

Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Villanueva conducted the proceedings, which was attended by MPD officers and Castillo's parents, Horacio II and Carminia.

In an omnibus motion filed through his lawyer Paterno Esmaquel, Solano asked the justice department to stop the inquest and preliminary investigation until a motion to dismiss is resolved. DMS