UST probes alleged hazing of UST law student

The University of Santo Tomas has started conducting an investigation into the death of 22-year-old law student Horacio Tomas Castillo III due to alleged hazing.

"UST is conducting a prompt and thorough investigation. UST will issue an official statement as soon as they finish their own investigation," UST Public Affairs head Giovanni Fontanilla told GMA News.

An earlier report by GMA News' Athena Imperial on Unang Balita said a concerned citizen found the body of Castillo at the corner of H. Lopez Boulevard and Infanta Street in Balut, Tondo around 8 a.m. Sunday.

Castillo was then taken to the Chinese General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

The victim's family learned about the incident around 1 a.m. Monday, when Castillo's mother received a text message from the hospital. Castillo's bloated body bore bruises, cigarette and candle wax burns.

The victim's uncle, who is a doctor, believes that Castillo died after undergoing hazing rites of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, which is based in UST. — RSJ, GMA News