AFP vows cooperation after court orders arrest of PMA cadets, doctors over Dormitorio death

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has yet to receive a copy of the arrest warrants issued against three Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets who have been charged over the fatal hazing of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio.

According to AFP spokesman Major General Edgard Arevalo, the judge advocate general will give recommendation to AFP chief General Felimon Santos Jr. as to the disposition of the named cadets.

He said the cadets are under the custody of the general headquarters. They have been arraigned and are now facing trial before a General Court Martial for violation of Article of War 97 Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline.

"We once more commit to the court that we will cooperate and, when needed, assist in the swift dispensation of justice. We owe it to the people — especially to the parents of the late Cadet Darwin Dormitorio—and the community of PMA Alumni," Arevalo said in a statement.

A Baguio City court recently ordered the arrest of Cadets Shalimar Imperial Jr. and Felix Lumbag Jr. for hazing and murder charges and Cadet Julius Carlo Tadena for hazing and "less serious physical injuries" charges.

The Regional Trial Court First Judicial Region Branch 5 of Baguio City also released warrants of arrest against former PMA Station Hospital chief Lieutenant Colonel Ceasar Candelaria and medical officers Captain Flor Apple Apostol and Major Maria Ofelia Beloy who have also been charged for murder.

Arevalo said it is up to the PMA to take appropriate action on the military doctors who are ordered to be arrested.

Earlier, the military school vowed that it would 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.

In a separate statement, Arevalo said that upon verification with PMA, only one of the three cadets who were issued arrest warrant remains at the military school.

Meanwhile, Candelaria and Apostol have already been relieved. Candelaria was re-assigned to Camp Aguinaldo while Apostol was reassigned to the Philippine Air Force.

Beloy meanwhile remains at the Fort del Pilar Station Hospital (FDPSH) of the school.—KBK, GMA News