The camp of John Paul Solano, tagged as a principal suspect in the hazing death of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horatio del Castillo, declined to submit on Monday his affidavit as he was slapped with a murder complaint on Monday morning.
Solano was brought to the Department of Justice, in handcuffs and tightly guarded, for inquest proceedings.
The parents of Castillo were also present but they did not get a chance to speak with Solano.
Before the inquest could start, Solano’s lawyer argued that an inquest, being held in connection with a warrantless arrest, was hardly applicable in this case, where the suspect came forth and voluntarily surrendered.
But the authorities went ahead with the inquest for the following charges:
- Murder
- Robbery
- Perjury
- Obstruction of Justice
- Violation of the Anti-Hazing Law
See also:
Zubiri: Anti-hazing law never banned hazing. Now we will
At least 20 other members of the Aegis Juris fraternity and Regina Juris sorority, including John Does and Jane Does, are included in the complaints sheet.
This prompted Solano’s lawyer to hold back on the submission of his sworn affidavit in connection with the investigation into violation of the anti-hazing law.
Solano maintained his innocence and said he will tell all that he knows about the incident: “I will shed light for this matter.”
The Manila Police District, meanwhile, disclosed without elaborating that surrender feelers are being fielded from a number of suspects, or persons of interest.
Click and watch this video report by Romel Lopez below:
And this one by Patricia Mangune: