PNPA to implement squad system strictly to prevent hazing incidents

The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will adhere more closely to the squad system after a fourth class cadet was recently brought to the hospital for injuries allegedly caused by hazing.

"We are promoting the squad system. Kapag ikaw ay kabilang sa isang squad, lalo sa upperclassmen, dapat pakialaman lang nila 'yung mga fourth class cadets na nakasabay sa kanilang squad,"  PNPA Dean of Academics Police Brigadier General Jon Arnaldo said in a press conference.

He indicated that upperclassmen have no authority to discipline fourth class cadets outside their own squad.

"We have actually our internal rules and regulations, we have our cadet guide, di po namin tinotolerate ang untoward exercises. We are an institution that promotes discipline," Arnaldo added.

A squad in the PNPA is composed of a cadet from each year level.

Arnaldo said the suspected hazing on Cadet Fourth Class John Desiderio was an isolated case, adding that the academy had 1,050 cadets.

Last week, Desiderio was rushed to the hospital due to stomach pains after undergoing suspected hazing by his upperclassmen.

Five cadets will be charged due to the incident, the PNPA had said.

Arnaldo, meanwhile, said a total of 22,753 applicants would take the PNPA cadet admission test on Sunday, November 10 despite the alleged maltreatment case.

Arnaldo said the PNPA eyes to get 350 from the more than 20,000 applicants.—NB, GMA News