PMA identifies cadets, officers involved in Dormitorio's hazing death

After a thorough investigation on the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Tuesday bared the identities of the individuals involved in the hazing incident.

The PMA identified Cadet Third Class Shalimar Imperial and Cadet Third Class Felix Lumbag as those with "direct participation" in Dormitorio's hazing, while Cadet First Class Axl Rey Sanupao allegedly "encouraged maltreatment" against the 20-year-old cadet.

The PMA said these three individuals would be dismissed from the military school. Squad leader and Cadet Second Class Nickoel Termil would be similarly dismissed due to "command responsibility."

Meanwhile, the PMA added that platoon leader Cadet First Class Christian Correa and commanding officer Cadet First Class Elbert Lucas would be suspended.

The military school added that a cadet, identified as Cadet First Class Irvin Sayod, would also face a penalty for a "class 1 offense."

The two PMA military officers who were relieved on Monday were also identified: Major Rex Bolo (senior tactical officer) and Captain Jeffrey Batistiana (tactical officer).

Hospital officers including Colonel Cesar Candelaria (commanding officer) and Captain Flor Apostol (attending physician) would also face administrative case, the PMA said.

Dormitorio was found unconscious in his room and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital last September 18. An autopsy performed on the PMA cadet showed bruises on different parts of his body that were likely the result of multiple beatings.

Earlier in the day, Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista resigned as PMA superintendent. Brigadier General Bartolome Bacarro, the commandant of cadets, also resigned.

Evangelista said that all the reports for administrative and criminal cases had been completed and prosecution procedures had commenced. — DVM, GMA News