2 more upperclassmen tagged as suspects in PMA hazing

Two more upperclassmen of Philippine Military Academy Fourth Class Cadet Darwin Dormitorio were identified as suspects in the hazing incident that killed him, according to the Baguio City Police on Thursday.

In a report by James Agustin on Dobol B sa News TV, Police Colonel Allen Ray Co confirmed that these two 3rd Class cadets have "direct participation" in the maltreatment of the victim.

"This will tie up 'yun pong loose ends na hinahanap pa natin sa naging maltreatment po na ginawa kay cadet Dormitorio," Co said, noting that their involvement has been traced through the cooperation of the PMA's tactical officers.

"We have also requested the PMA leadership and agad naman po nilang tinugunan na these cadets will also be isolated," he added.

Their names have not been disclosed yet.

A separate report by Agustin on Balitanghali said one of the two electrocuted Dormitorio on his private parts while the other kicked him on the head on the night of September 17, when Dormitorio returned from PMA Station Hospital.

Dormitorio spent the day of September 17 at the hospital but was sent back to barracks after he was diagnosed with "urinary tract infection."

Previously, two other Third Class cadets and one First Class cadet have been considered as suspects.

The five will face charges for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law, according to Co.

Dormitorio, 20, was found unconscious in his room and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital last September 18. The PMA confirmed days later that he had died of hazing. His body reportedly bore bruises.

The police said that Dormitorio was maltreated for losing the combat boots of one of his upperclassmen.

Dormitorio was laid to rest in his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday.

The hazing controversy has prompted PMA Superintendent Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista to resign from his post, a move praised by Malacañang. —Dona Magsino/LBG/KBK, GMA News