Number of suspects in Dormitorio hazing death now 6

One more Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet has been added to the list of suspects in the hazing-related death of Darwin Dormitorio, according to James Agustin's report on Balitanghali on Friday.

This brought the number of suspects in the case to six.

The new suspect, who was not identified, is a 2nd Class cadet, the report said, citing  Police Colonel Allen Ray Co, director of Baguio City Police Office.

The sixth suspect allegedly was the one who last hurt the 20-year-old Dormitorio before he was brought to the hospital on September 17.

The sixth suspect allegedly kicked Dormitorio, a 4th Class cadet, when he saw him lying on his bed.

Three suspects — Cadet 1st Class Axl Rey Sanopao and Cadets 3rd Class Felix Lumbag Jr. and Shalimar Imperial — were initially identified by the Baguio City Police in connection with Dormitorio's death.

On Thursday, two were added based on information from witnesses.

Dormitorio 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 and Brigadier General Bartolome Bacarro, the commandant of cadets, to resign from their posts. The military has already picked their replacements. —KBK, GMA News