Rep. Rodriguez insists Bacarro not yet off the hook in Dormitorio’s death

Renewing his call for the recall of Major General Bartolome Bacarro’s designation as Southern Luzon Command chief, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez insisted Friday that the military official is not yet off the hook in the hazing death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio in 2019.

“Mr. Bacarro has not been cleared yet from the criminal charges because the Baguio City Prosecutor’s dismissal of the cases has been seasonably elevated by Dormitorio’s parents to the Department of Justice secretary for his review. The appeal is still pending resolution up to now,” Rodriguez, lawmaker from Cagayan De Oro City, said in a statement.

This came after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had defended Bacarro’s designation as SolCom commander, saying the general is fit for the position. Bacarro is set to formally replace Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. on July 26.

Rodriguez branded Lorenzana’s remark saying Bacarro, the commandant of cadets when the fatal hazing incident happened, was already cleared of criminal charges as “inaccurate.”

“In view of this pendency, Gen. Bacarro should not be promoted nor appointed as commander of the military’s Southern Luzon Command yet pending resolution of his cases by the DOJ secretary,” the lawmaker said.

Quoting Darwin’s brother, Dexter, Rodriguez said the Dormitorio family has expressed dismay over Bacarro’s promotion “while they are still waiting for justice to be served.” The Dormitorios are constituents of Rodriguez.

“His promotion shows utter disregard for his serious responsibility, accountability, and failure as commandant of cadets when 4CL Darwin Dormitorio died of hazing in PMA (Philippine Military Academy),” Rodriguez quoted the family as saying.

“A petition for review for his criminal liability is still pending before the DOJ. While we are still waiting for the DOJ’s decision, we believe that until it is resolved with finality, his rise in the ranks should be put on hold,” the family added.

The Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office cleared Bacarro and former PMA superintendent Ronnie Evangelista from criminal charges due to lack of probable cause.

Only the PMA cadets, former hospital chief and two doctors were slapped with charges due to Dormitorio’s death.

Dormitorio died on September 18, 2019 after months of being allegedly maltreated by his fellow cadets inside the academy. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News