MANILA -- A Senate panel on Monday released closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage which showed that a man, supposedly University of Santo Tomas (UST) law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo, who recently died of alleged hazing, was inside the same building where the Divina Law firm holds office.
This footage was shown after UST Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina denied meeting Atio at his law office days before the alleged hazing rites that led to the victim’s death took place last September 17.
Divina Law firm holds office at the Pacific Star Building in Makati City.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said the CCTV footage was taken last September 12.
Atio’s father, Horacio Jr., confirmed that it was indeed his son in the CCTV footage noting that the blue jacket his son was wearing was given to him by his wife, Carminia.
After the CCTV footage was shown, a photo of the blue jacket was also shown in a presentation where the hearing was being conducted.
Senator Grace Poe, for her part, said that records showed Atio texted his mother about being at a law office the same date the CCTV footage was taken.
Poe also pointed out that the Pacific Star building is owned by Century properties, and their corporate secretary is a senior partner of Divina Law firm.
Moreover, she said that the owner of Pacific Star is also the owner of Novotel Hotel where some Aegis Juris frat men met after Atio’s death.
Lacson pointed out that it was already “established” that Atio visited the Pacific Star building but clarified that did not conclude that he was visiting the Divina Law firm.
Manila Police District head Superintendent Joel Coronel earlier said that Facebook chat conversations among some Aegis Juris frat brothers showed that they met in a hotel and discussed attempts to "cover up, conceal and evade" investigation and prosecution.
Coronel said that Aegis Juris fraternity issued a statement saying they will cooperate in the investigation. However, some 30 personalities showed attempts to protect their members.
He said that out of the 30 personalities, the MPD identified 19 of those who met at Novotel. (PNA)
