Panelo calls for resignation of PMA head over hazing death

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday called for the resignation of the head of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) following the death of a freshman cadet due to hazing.

Panelo issued the call even as the PMA, led by Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista, vowed to file appropriate charges and apply sanctions to all those who will be found responsible for the death of 20-year-old Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio.

“He should [resign]. If I were the superintendent and I will not know what is happening in the academy, then I have no business staying in my position," Panelo said in an interview on ANC.

"How come there is still hazing there? I cannot even understand that. When you are the boss, then you should be telling your underlings, ‘I will not allow it. I'll fire all of you, I'll put you to jail.’ If you are a weak boss, then this will happen," he added.

He said the hazing incident was a case of weak leadership.

“I think the superiors of that academy should be held accountable, from the top to the bottom who are supposed to know what is happening in their academy,” Panelo said.

“They should be charged administratively, if not criminally.”

In a separate statement, Panelo said Malacañang was “deeply saddened” and “outraged” when it learned about the Dormitorio’s “tragic death.”

He said the Office of the President condemns the “barbaric practice of hazing in all its forms.”

“With a heavy heart, we express our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, classmates, and loved ones of the young Darwin,” Panelo said.

Panelo also said hazing should be classified as heinous crime. "The President is outraged by any kind of oppression. That is oppression," he said.

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.

Police earlier disclosed that Dormitorio died on September 18 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.

“While we commend the PMA for participating with the Baguio police in identifying the upperclassmen as persons of interest or suspects and investigating the incident with its coordination with government authorities, we at the same time lament that there is a failure in leadership as regards being negligent in not stopping this murderous ritual which has no place in a civilized society,” Panelo said.

Dormitorio’s remains were flown to his hometown Cagayan de Oro City on Saturday.

The Dormitorio family demanded justice for Darwin's death. —Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News