Eleazar orders thorough probe into death of PNPA cadet

Philippine National Police's General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar on Saturday ordered a thorough investigation into the death of a PNP Academy cadet after he was allegedly punched several times by his upperclassman.

In a statement, Eleazar said Cadet Second Class Steve Ceasar Maingat, the suspect in the death of Cadet Third Class George Karl Magsayo, is already under the custody of the Silang Municipal Police Station.

"Haharapin ng suspek na ito ang mga kaukulang kaso na nakatakdang isampa laban sa kaniya batay sa mga magiging resulta ng imbestigasyon," Eleazar said.

(The suspect will face the appropriate charges to be filed against him based on the results of the investigation.)

Eleazar added that investigators are currently preparing the charges against Maingat, which will be filed on Monday, September 27.

"Nakalulungkot na may mga ganito na namang trahediyang naganap dahil may iilan pa ring kadete na matitigas ang ulo at hindi pa rin naiintindihan ang mga patakaran at batas lalo na sa anti-hazing law," the PNP chief said.

(It is saddening that a tragedy like this happened because of misconduct of a number of cadets, who do not seem to understand the policies, and the anti-hazing law.)

"Ipinaabot ko sa pamilya ni Third Class Magsayo ang taos-pusong pakikiramay at kasabay nito ang pagtitiyak ng masusing imbestigasyon sa ngalan ng katotohanan at hustisya," Eleazar added.

(I express my heart-felt condolences to the family of Third Class Magsayo, as I assure the bereaved of a thorough investigation in the name of truth and justice.)

The incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. of September 23, when Magsayo and his companion supposedly went to the room of the suspect.

An initial investigation shows that suspect cautioned both the victim and his companion but a few moments after, he allegedly punched Magsayo five times in the stomach. 

Magsayo lost his consciousness and was rushed to the hospital, but was declared dead on arrival at 6:43 p.m., police said. —LBG, GMA News