Año says cadet also died during his PMA years, confirms physical abuse happened during hazing

On the heels of the death of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Fourth Class cadet Darwin Dormitorio, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday bared that one of his underclassmen during their military school days also died due to hazing.

"Noong time namin, I was already third year noon, may namatay din na kadete noon—anak ni former General Andres Ramos, Class '85. So parang ganoon din, out of control na insidente," Año said in an interview on GMA's Unang Balita.

He admitted that hazing during those years included physical abuse.

"'Pag physical hazing, body contact 'yan. Ibig sabihin pwedeng suntukin, pwedeng sipain, pwedeng gamitan ng anumang hazing instruments pero 'yan ang pinagbabawal," he said.

"Noong time namin noon meron ding ganyan pero responsible 'yung mga upperclassmen na hindi ma-endager 'yung buhay ng plebo," he added.

He, however, said that physical abuse should not be a part of the cadetship training.

"Marami kasing paraan para maturuan mo 'yung plebo mong maging snappy tulad ng exercise o kaya yung psychological pressure pero no body contact," he added.

Año, a retired general, is a member of the PMA Matikas Class of 1983.

Prior to his stint at the Department of the Interior and Local Government, he became chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. — Dona Magsino/MDM, GMA News