Aegis Juris fratmen plead not guilty in Atio slay

MANILA, Philippines — Ten members of the Aegis Juris fraternity accused in the hazing death of Horacio “Atio” Castillo III pleaded not guilty during their arraignment at the Manila regional trial court (RTC) yesterday morning.

Mhin Wei Chan, Jose Miguel Salamat, John Robin Ramos, Marcelino Bagtang Jr., Arvin Balag, Ralph Trangia, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali and Hans Matthew Rodrigo were accompanied by their parents and lawyers when they appeared before Branch 20 Judge Marivic Malisi Umali.

They were clad in yellow shirts indicating they were Manila City Jail detainees and were heavily guarded by Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel.

The arraignment lasted three hours and culminated in the filing of a petition for bail.

Castillo’s parents were present during the proceedings and expressed satisfaction that “the case is moving as it should.”

“All we wanted is to seek justice and for the people behind Atio’s death to pay for what they have done,” Carmina and Horacio Castillo said.

Umali scheduled the hearing for the bail plea on Aug. 14.

Related video: