Palace welcomes PMA chief Evangelista’s ‘genuine delicadeza’ following hazing death

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the resignation of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) superintendent Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista following the death of  freshman cadet Darwin Dormitorio due to hazing.

“We welcome this development as a right step towards upholding the integrity of the PMA as the country's premier military institution and recognize the same as a form of genuine delicadeza on the part of Lt. Gen. Evangelista,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo earlier called on Evangelista to resign, saying a PMA superintendent had “no business staying” in his post if he did not know what was happening in the premier military institution.

Evangelista cited command responsibility for relinquishing his post.

“Investigation is currently ongoing. The Office of the President guarantees that there will be no whitewash and expects that justice will be rendered for those responsible for the PMA plebe's fatal death,” Panelo said.

Dormitorio died on September 18 after complaining of stomach pain. The PMA confirmed days later that the 20-year-old had died of hazing. His body reportedly bore bruises.

The Baguio City police are readying charges against three cadets who were identified as suspects. Two PMA officers have also been relieved from their posts following Dormitorio's death. — MDM, GMA News