MANILA police released on Thursday hazing suspect John Paul Solano who vowed to prove his innocence in the hazing death of a freshman law student of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

“I will prove my innocence at the proper venue. I condole with the family of Atio,” Solano said, referring to Horacio “Atio” Castillo 3rd.

CRIME SCENE Scene of the crime operatives scour the Aegis Juris Fraternity office and library for evidence in connection with the death of UST law freshman Horacio Castillo 3rd following brutal hazing rites. PHOTO BY BOY JOSUE

Police inspect frat library

Manila police opened on Thursday the Aegis Juris library to gather “forensic evidence” on the case.

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Upon entering the premises where Castillo was said to have undergone initiation rites, police and scene of the crime operatives discovered that the CCTVs installed in the building were not working.

Officially known as the Aegis Juris Law Resource Center, the building is a few meters away from the university campus in Sampaloc, Manila.

Castillos to meet Duterrte

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd on Thursday said that the parents of the slain law freshman would meet President Rodrigo Duterte on October 4.

Aguirre said he met Castillo’s parents, Horacio Jr. and Carmina, and his sister on Thursday.

They requested a brief audience with President Duterte, Aguirre told reporters.

“They want to get the President’s help to get justice and make sure there’s no miscarriage of justice. They know the people behind [the hazing incident] are moneyed and influential,” he said.

 with ASHLEY JOSE AND JOMAR CANLAS