PMA grad Año says 3rd Class cadets should be monitored for 'sadistic' behavior

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday said that Third Class cadets, or those in second year inside the Philippine Military Academy, should be monitored and guided by their squad leaders on how they handle plebes.

Año said this amid the death of a 20-year-old plebe due to injuries related to hazing activities.

"Binabantayan nila dapat 'yun eh, 'yung mga second year, kasi ang mga second year maiinit 'yan eh. Katatapos lang nila magplebo, sabik humawak sa plebo dahil bagong upperclass," Año said on Unang Balita.

"After incorporation, 'yung first two months, maraming insidente ng hazing kasi sa kagustuhan nilang turuan 'yung plebo na matutong maging snappy eh ginagamitan na nila ng ibang measures kasama ang hazing," he added.

Año, a former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, admitted that he also experienced hazing during his stint at the military school.

"Noong time namin noon meron ding ganyan pero responsible 'yung mga upperclassmen na hindi ma-endanger 'yung buhay ng plebo," he said.

He, however, underscored that physical contact is not necessary to effectively train the cadets. "Marami kasing paraan para maturuan mo 'yung plebo mo para maging snappy tulad nung exercise o kaya psychological measure pero no body contact."

Last week, Fourth Class cadet Darwin Dormitorio died after suffering from hazing injuries. Three of his upperclassmen—two Third Class and one First Class—were considered suspects in the incident.

Año said that one of the interventions that can be done to prevent such violence from occurring is to screen incoming second year cadets.

"'Yung plebo kasi pagkatapos niya magplebo nag-undergo siya ng maraming stress, pressure... dapat mag-undergo ulit sila ng another screening procedure para makita ano epekto sa kaniya ng pagkaplebo," he said.

"'Yung mga may tendency na maging sadist o sociopathic o mayroong psychological problem, doon pa lang ma-screen na natin at hindi na 'yan mag-continue ng pagiging kadete o kaya dapat magkaroon ng counseling." —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News