AFP, PMA welcome indictment in Dormitorio hazing case, vow cooperation during trial

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Thursday welcomed the prosecutor's resolution on those involved in the fatal hazing of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio.

In a statement, the AFP said it looks at the latest development with optimism as "the wheels of justice grind for all of those involved in the case."

AFP spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo vowed that the AFP would provide any assistance to the court during the course of the trial.

"We are committed to assist in the dispensation of justice. We are as keenly interested as the parents of the late Cadet Darwin Dormitorio, the community of PMA alumni-active and retired, and the Filipino nation are in ensuring that justice is served," Arevalo said.

He also mentioned that the AFP had instituted the filing of cases against six cadets for supposedly violating the Article of War 97 Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline.

Arevalo further said the PMA has been implementing holistic measures to stop malpractice within the military school following Dormitorio's death.

In a separate statement, PMA spokesperson Captain Cherryl Tindog said the military school would continue to support and comply with any court order in relation to Dormitorio's case, especially if there is a need for its officials to testify or certain documents will be needed.

"The PMA is in solidarity with the nation in continually praying for justice to be served," Tindog said.

"We shall continue also to implement the necessary reforms and interventions we have been doing so far in order to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again and to end all violations of our regulations for a better PMA," she added.

The Baguio City prosecutor's office has approved the filing of hazing and murder charges against three PMA cadets, its former hospital chief and two doctors over Dormitorio's death last year.

The resolution stated that Cadets Shalimar Imperial, Jr. and Felix Lumbag, Jr. will face charges in court for hazing and murder. Another cadet, Julius Carlo Tadena, will face charges for hazing and "less serious physical injuries."

It added that charges for "slight physical injuries" were approved against cadet Christian Zacarias while filing of murder charges against former PMA Station Hospital chief Lt. Col. Ceasar Candelaria and medical officers Capt. Flor Apple Apostol and Maj. Maria Ofelia Beloy were also approved.

On the other hand, the complaints against cadets Axl Rey Sanopao, Rey David John Volante, John Vincent Manalo, and tactical officers Maj. Rex Bolo and Capt. Jeffrey Batistiana were dismissed for lack of probable cause.

The complaints against former PMA superintendent Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista and former cadet commandant Brigadier General Bartolome Bacarro were also dismissed for lack of probable cause.

The Dormitorio family is dissatisfied with the resolution, claiming that the prosecutors supposedly failed to consider the “overwhelming evidence” against all respondents.

The family is still reviewing the 66-page resolution, noting that they will consider all the possible legal actions as for them, it seems that they are being deprived of justice.

Dormitorio died due to hazing-related injuries on September 18 last year, after months of repeated maltreatment by his fellow cadets. —KBK, GMA News