The recent fraternity hazing victim in the Philippines?

The most recent fraternity hazing victim that made headlines in the Philippines was Horacio Castillo III. Castillo was a freshman law student at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) who died on September 17, 2017, due to injuries sustained during hazing rituals conducted by the Aegis Juris Fraternity. The incident shocked and horrified the nation, leading to widespread condemnation of fraternity hazing and calls for stricter laws against it.

The hazing incident involved a series of physical challenges and abuses that Castillo endured as part of the initiation process into the fraternity. He was allegedly forced to perform strenuous exercises, subjected to beatings, and even buried alive for several minutes. The brutal hazing led to multiple injuries, including internal bleeding and organ damage, which ultimately caused his death.

Following Castillo's death, the Philippine National Police launched an investigation into the incident. Several members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity were arrested and charged with hazing and homicide. The fraternity was also suspended by the university, and the Philippine Congress began deliberations on a bill to strengthen laws against hazing and impose harsher penalties for those involved in such activities.

The case of Horacio Castillo III brought the issue of fraternity hazing in the Philippines to the forefront of public attention. It sparked outrage and sparked discussions about the need for stricter measures to prevent future hazing incidents. Castillo's death became a symbol of the fight against hazing and a reminder of the dangerous consequences that can arise from these harmful rituals.

As a result of the public outcry and pressure, the Philippine government enacted Republic Act No. 11053 or the "Anti-Hazing Law" in 2018. This law aims to deter and prevent hazing activities by imposing heavier penalties and sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in hazing.

Efforts to combat hazing in the Philippines are ongoing, and Horacio Castillo III's case continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of taking a stand against this dangerous practice.