(Eagle News) — Police retrieved “object evidence” from the Aegis Juris library, which is where hazing rites that led to the death of Horacio Castillo III are believed to have taken place, on Thursday, the same day a primary suspect, John Paul Solano, was released.
Supt. Erwin Margarejo, Manila Police District spokesperson, refused to specify what this evidence was, but noted that it would be used as “supplementary evidence” against those believed responsible for the University of Sto. Tomas law student’s death.
He said the Scene of the Crime Operatives were still in the process of checking the site in Sampaloc, Manila for “bodily fluids.”
The retrieval of the “object evidence” comes on the same day Solano was temporarily released from detention, upon orders by the Department of Justice.
Solano was released after Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Padullon belied Chief Insp. Rommel Anicete’s claim the suspect–who faces charges for obstruction of justice murder, perjury, robbery and violation of the Anti-Hazing Law in connection with Castillo’s death—could not temporarily leave detention yet because the DOJ resolution ordering such did not include the charge for obstruction of justice against him.
According to Padullon, there was no need for a separate release order covering that charge as it was not properly alleged by the complainant in the first place.
The DOJ issued the release order two days after acting prosecutor general Jorge Catalan admitted himself that the inquest of Solano for the charges filed by the MPD against him was “improper.”
Catalan made the admission after Senator Franklin Drilon’s pronouncement that inquest proceedings only apply to people who have been arrested in hot pursuit operations.
He said Solano was not arrested, as he voluntarily surrendered in the first place.
Truth
In an interview following his release, Solano vowed to tell all in the preliminary investigation slated in October.
Asked about his fraternity brothers, Solano said, “Bahala na sila kung ano plano nila.”
He said he was, however, not scared of a backlash from his fraternity brothers, noting that he “still believe(d) that they are not that savage, barbaric.”
Solano also again extended his condolences to Castillo’s family.
Suspects
Apart from Solano, named as primary suspects in the death of Castillo were Ralph Trangia and his father Antonio Trangia, the registered owner of the red pickup that was used to take the hazing victim to the hospital.
Also named suspects by MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel were all officials of the Aegis Juris fraternity who are currently enrolled in UST.
The police also charged the younger Trangia’s mother, Rosemarie, with obstruction of justice.
She is believed to have accompanied the younger Trangia in his trip to the United States.
