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Hazing victim Darwin Dormitorio laid to rest


 

Darwin Dormitorio, the 20-year-old Philippine Military Academy cadet who died from injuries sustained from hazing inside the military school, was laid to rest Wednesday morning at his hometown of Cagayan de Oro City.

Attendees became emotional as they shared their fond memories of Dormitorio at the service, and at the same time showed overflowing support to the 4th class cadet's family and loved ones, according to a report by Marisol Abdurahman on GMA News TV's Balitanghali.

Dormitorio's nine-year-old cousin cried constantly and was unable to finish reading his prepared speech.

People fell in line for the final public viewing before Dormitorio's casket was closed.

Dormitorio's family thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines for shouldering the PMA cadet's wake and interment, as well as Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and colleagues of his father, who is also from PMA.

Jean Año, wife of Secretary Año and the grandmother of Dormitorio, said she could not fathom the death of her grandson, noting that there won't be a whitewash and "red cow" in the investigation.

Dexter, Darwin's elder brother, applauded General Ronnie Evangelista and Brigadier General Bartolome Bacarro for stepping down from their posts as PMA superintendent and commandant of cadets, respectively, amid the controversy surrounding the PMA cadet's death.

Dexter added that Evangelista's and Bacarro's resignation would benefit an impartial investigation.

Dormitorio's family is leaving the investigation up to authorities, and is so far contented with the "swift" action by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Also among the attendees were the parents of PMA graduates, as well as the parents of current PMA cadets, including the classmates of Dormitorio. They expressed worries about what their children might also experience while inside the PMA.

An autopsy conducted on Dormitorio showed bruises on different parts of his body that are probably the result of him being punched and kicked several times.

After a thorough investigation, the PMA identified Cadet Third Class Shalimar Imperial and Cadet Third Class Felix Lumbag as those with "direct participation" in Dormitorio's hazing, while Cadet First Class Axl Rey Sanupao allegedly "encouraged maltreatment" against the 20-year-old cadet. —Jamil Santos/KBK/KG, GMA News

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