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Hazing molded me into who I am now, Albayalde says


Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Monday said that he also went through hazing when he was a cadet at the Philippine Military Academy, indicating that the experience shaped him into the officer that he is today.

The PNP chief’s remark came following the death of Philippine Military Academy’s Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio allegedly due to hazing, a violent and sometimes fatal practice that has been outlawed since 1995.

“I will be lying kung sabihin kong hindi ako na-haze. I’m sure you know my squad leader. He molded me into who I am now. Tanong niyo sa kaniya paano ako nahaze but I have nothing against him,” Albayalde said.

He, however, clarified that hazing should not be tolerated, noting that it was only his personal take that hazing had helped him to become the person he is at present.

“No, of course. Even before... let me assure the public, even before po, hazing was never tolerated especially now we have hazing law...” Albayalde said.

“We are not encouraging hazing. Never did we encourage hazing, even sabi ko nga during the early years. Hazing is taboo sa PMA,” he added.

Albayalde said hazing was a matter of personal perception.

“These are all matters of personal perception on how you will accept it as a person and as a cadet... as a person who will be leading men in uniform,” Albayalde said.

Initial investigation showed that Dormitorio had died due to hazing.

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

Investigators are also looking into whether or not Dormitorio was electrocuted.

Authorities have said there were already three suspects on the incident while two others were considered as persons of interest.

Two PMA officers have already been relieved over Dormitorio’s death pending investigation of the incident. —NB, GMA News

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