New PMA commandant to cadets: Wage war vs. hazing, or leave

Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr., the new commandant of cadets of the Philippine Military Academy, on Thursday declared a war on hazing following the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio and the alleged maltreatment of several others at the military school.

In his assumption speech, Brawner said Dormitorio's death was just a "symptom of an even larger problem that requires a whole of nation approach."

"As the new commandant of cadets, let me proclaim this. I am declaring a war on hazing. I expect everyone under my jurisdiction, especially the Cadet Corps to tow the line," Brawner said.

"If you are not willing to wage a war against hazing, then you better leave. There is no place for you in this organization and I mean business," he added.

Brawner said that the culture of violence and the culture of silence should be replaced by a culture of peace and culture of understanding.

He added that it was the time to change the mindset of some cadets regarding the culture of violence.

Brawner's appointment at the PMA is effective on Thursday, September 26.

He used to command the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City.

Brawner replaced Brigadier General Bartolome Bacarro who resigned following Dormitorio's death.

Rear Admiral Allan Cusi was named as the new PMA superintendent.

Brawner, meanwhile, ensured the parents of the cadets that the PMA would take care of their children inside the military school.

"But we will do more than just take care of them, we will mold them to become servant leaders, leaders who will serve God and country first before serving themselves," Brawner said. —NB, GMA News