New director to take over PNPA following alleged hazing incident

After an alleged hazing incident, the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will have a new director starting Wednesday, PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said Monday.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Eleazar said Police Major General Alexander Sampaga will replace Police Major General Rhoderick Armamento as PNPA director.

“I already approved the designation of Sampaga as the new director nitong PNPA, effective September 29, sa Wednesday,” he said.

Eleazar pointed out that the PNPA aims to have a better perspective with the adjustment in leadership. He said this time is a good opportunity for a “rotation” of officials.

“As a PNPA alumnus himself, I expect PMGen Sampaga to bring in innovative ideas and fresh perspective that would effectively implement the necessary adjustments in further improving the institution for each cadet to live up to its core values of Justice, Integrity, and Service,” he said in a statement.

According to Eleazar, Armamento will take the current position of Sampaga as the director for Information and Communication Technology of the PNP.

On Thursday, a cadet of the PNPA identified as Cadet Third Class George Karl Magsayo, 21, died on Thursday after being allegedly punched a number of times by his upperclassman.

Magsayo and his companion supposedly went to the room of the suspect, identified as Cadet Second Class Steve Ceasar Maingat.

Maingat cautioned both the victim and his companion but a few moments after, he allegedly punched the victim five times in the stomach, according to the investigation.

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

"It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the sudden demise of Cdt 3C George Karl Magsayo," the PNPA administration said in a statement.

Eleazar said the autopsy on the body of Magsayo is already finished. The Silang Municipal Police Station will obtain the results on Monday morning.

A complaint for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law resulting to Homicide will be filed against Maingat on Monday, according to Eleazar. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News