Fratman in Atio hazing to return to PH Tuesday: Aguirre

FILE: Ralph Trangia, one of the persons suspected involved in the hazing rites which led to the death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, is expected to return to the country on Tuesday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said. (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA — Ralph Trangia, one of the persons suspected involved in the hazing rites which led to the death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law freshman Horacio “Atio” Castillo III, is expected to return to the country on Tuesday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said.

“Ralph Cabales Trangia, a suspect in Horacio Castillo III hazing case, will be arriving in Manila from Taipei via Eva Air flight BR 271 ETA 11:20 a.m. We will offer security if he asks for it,” Aguirre said.

Immigration records showed Trangia left for the US on Sept. 19, a day after Castillo’s body was taken to the Chinese General Hospital where he was proclaimed dead.

Aguirre said that Trangia opted to voluntary return to the Philippines.

“We were informed that the US authorities are preparing to deport him. So I believe that he opted to return voluntarily rather than be deported,” Aguirre noted.

Upon his arrival, Aguirre said Trangia could be invited for questioning “because there is no warrant for his arrest.”

“The NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) or MPD (Manila Police District) will be waiting for him and perhaps they will be asking for time within which to investigate and interview him,” Aguirre said.

Ralph’s mother, Rosemarie, is with him on the flight, Aguirre said.

Meanwhile, Immigration Spokesperson Atty. Maria Antonette Mangrobang said “upon arrival in Taipei, Immigration officials in Taipei, we will make sure to board him bound for Manila flight BR271 ETA (expected time of arrival) 11:20 a.m.”

“Coordination is now being made with PNP (Philippine National Police) and the NBI,” said Mangrobang in a text message to reporters.

Trangia is facing charges of murder and violation of the Anti-Hazing Law filed by MPD.

John Paul Solano, a member of the fraternity who was tagged as the primary suspect in the case, is facing complaints for murder, obstruction of justice, perjury, robbery, and violation of Anti-Hazing Law.

Some 15 other respondents were also listed in the charge sheet for the same charges – Trangia’s father Antonio, Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Ranie Rafael Santiago, Oliver John Audrey 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.

Trangia’s mother was also included in the complaint for obstruction of justice. She accompanied her son to the US.

On Monday, Atio’s parents, Horacio II and Carminia filed supplemental complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law dean Nilo Divina, and members of Aegis Juris Fraternity as respondents in the case.

The supplemental complaints were filed for violating Republic Act 2049, the Anti-Hazing Law; murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); four counts of perjury under Article 183 of the RPC; and obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree 1829 against trustees of the Aegis Juris Foundation Inc. including Divina and Arthur Capili.

Atio’s parents also included in the complaint Vicente Garcia, owner of the building where Atio’s alleged hazing took place.

The complainants also included as respondents the trustees of the Aegis Foundation, namely: William S. Merginie, Cezar N. Tirol, Oscar T. Ce, Alexander J. Flores, Alvin S. Dysangco, Henry C. Pablo, Gabrial T. Robeniol, Michael Joseph G. Fernandez, Allan Christopher S. Agati, Paulino L. Yusi, Arnel Bernardo and Edwin C. Uy. Both Divina and Capili are also trustees, based on the complaint.

The supplemental complaint also named 20 respondents, including Aegis Juris fratman Solano; Trangia, Trangia’s mother Rosemarie, Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Marc Anthony Ventura, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Jason Adolfo Robinos, Lennert Bryan Galicia, Nathan Anarna, Robin Ramos, Leo Lalusis, Jose Miguel Salamat, Ranie Santiago, Karl Matthew Villanueva, Marcelino Bactang, and Chuck Salazar. They are already included in the previous similar complaint filed by the MPD.

The DOJ investigating panel chaired by Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Villanueva gave the respondents until October 24 to file their respective counter-affidavits while those named in the supplemental complaints were given until October 30 to file their respective counter-affidavits.

Castillo reportedly died during hazing rites of the Aegis Juris fraternity last September 16.