PMA vows to file charges vs. those responsible for Cadet Dormitorio’s death

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Friday said it would file appropriate administrative charges and shall apply sanctions to all those who will be found responsible for the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio.

"While the criminal legal processes will take time, PMA is committed to be fervent and thorough in ascertaining that justice will be achieved through the assistance of the Philippine National Police," the PMA said in a statement.

"We pledge that no stone will be left unturned. All perpetrators will be held liable to the full extent of the law," the PMA added.

It further underscored that the adherence of cadets towards the PMA character development program across the four classes would be reviewed. The PMA admitted that the unfortunate incident made the institution asked itself on how it can "be better as educators and trainers."

"Wrong perspectives and malpractices that may have developed in some cadets will be sought and corrected. The monitoring and reporting system for the overall well-being of every cadet shall be enhanced," the PMA said.

For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would extend technical support to the ongoing homicide investigation by the PMA and the Baguio City police through forensic examination of evidence and autopsy of the body.

"We do not want to make hasty conclusions as yet, but if any evidence of foul play or criminal action is present, the PNP will initiate criminal prosecution of parties involved without prejudice to the requirements of the military justice system," PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in a statement.

Palace reacts

In Malacañang, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles assured the public that the Duterte administration does not condone unlawful acts such as hazing.

"We will apply the law equally and the President will apply the law equally as our chief executive. Kung ano man ang magiging outcome ng investigation kung ito ba ay aakyat sa korte at mapo-prosecute, then it will have to go through the full process of the law," Nograles told reporters.

"Kung sino dapat managot ay kailangang managot. Kahit sino pa man ‘yan."

In June last year, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11053 which imposes a fine of P3 million aside from 20 to 40 years in prison for hazing rites that would result in death, rape, sodomy or mutilation.

The law banned all forms of hazing as requirement for admission into membership of a fraternity, sorority or organization in schools and uniformed service learning institutions such as the Philippine National Police Academy and PMA.

Hazing

Police earlier disclosed that Dormitorio had died due to hazing. An autopsy conducted on Dormitorio showed bruises on different parts of his body that are probably the result of him being punched and kicked several times.

According to Cordillera police chief Police Brigadier General Ephraim Dickson, there were already three persons of interest on the incident.

At present, they have been placed under restrictive custody of the PMA and are all subjected for administrative investigation, Dickson said.

Meanwhile, the PMA has assured the public, especially the family of cadets, that all cadets are being cared for inside the Academy.

"Effective systems, competent people and a culture of excellence are in place," the PMA said.

"We shall continue to be the PMA that is worthy of the Filipino people's trust and confidence," it added. — RSJ, GMA News