UST law dean ‘very happy’ over dismissal of charges in Atio Castillo hazing case

University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law dean Nilo Divina expressed elation over the dismissal of his charges in relation to the hazing death of law student Horacio "Atio" Castillo III.

"I am very happy and relieved to finally be cleared of any wrongdoing in the Atio Castillo hazing case. I have always maintained my full innocence throughout this unfortunate incident, and thankfully this has now been established beyond question," Divina said in a statement shared on social media by The Varsitarian, UST's official student publication.

JUST IN: Statement of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina on DOJ's dismissal of charges against him. pic.twitter.com/K31brnaxA3

— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) March 8, 2018

Divina also thanked his colleagues and clients for trusting and supporting him.

"I share with you this vindication against the attempt to tarnish my reputation that I have painstakingly built and safeguarded throughout the years," Divina said.

The lawyer also vowed to continue praying that justice will be served as regards to Castillo's untimely death.

Earlier on Thursday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed Divina's charges due to "insufficiency of evidence."

The DOJ, on the other hand, indicted 11 members of the Aegis Juris fraternity, the group blamed for Castillo's death.

Castillo died after attending the "welcoming rites" of the fraternity in September last year. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News