Senators urge full implementation of Anti-Hazing Act vs PMA suspects

Several lawmakers on Sunday denounced the hazing death at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and lamented the "senseless killing" of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio.

"The death of a promising youth brings us so much grief because we have passed a stern law just last year. It seems fraternities haven't learned their lessons," Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said in a statement.

He added that those involved in Dormitorio's death had discarded the values of the PMA.

"They can't be called fine officers and gentlemen as they exact obedience through fear, intimidation and physical pain," he said.

Further, Zubiri underscored that the suspects must be brought to justice because they violated the Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. 

Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian called hazing a "barbaric act" that had no place inside the military school.

"Walang puwang ang hazing sa sibilisadong lipunan. Managot ang dapat managot para magsilbi silang halimbawa na walang magandang naidudulot ang tradisyong ito," Gatchalian said in his statement.

The senator urged the police and PMA officials to ensure that those involved in the killing of Dormitorio would be punished under the law.

Dormitorio was declared dead on arrival at the hospital on Wednesday after he was found unconscious in his room.

The PMA on Friday confirmed that the cadet died from the hazing he endured.

On Sunday, three upperclassmen were considered suspects in the hazing death. Two were in the stockade while the third was at a holding center. — Dona Magsino/DVM, GMA News