AFP chief apologizes to PMA cadet Dormitorio’s family for fatal hazing

BAGUIO CITY —Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Lieutenant General Noel Clement has apologized to the family of slain plebe Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio.

Dormitorio succumbed to hazing-inflicted injuries at the Philippine hospital on September 18 after alleged repeated beatings, even electrocution, by his upperclassmen.

"Words may not be enough to convey our most profound apologies, our thoughts and prayers are with you and we could only hope for you understanding," Clement said during the turnover of command rites at the PMA.

During the ceremony, Rear Admiral Allan Cusi and Brigadier General Romeo Brawner assumed posts as PMA superintendent and commandant of cadets, respectively.

Cusi replaced Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista while Brawner replaced Brigadier General Bartolome Bacarro, both of whom resigned over the Dormitorio's death by hazing.

Clement said that the military would always give importance to human life and human dignity.

"We do not condone the use of sheer wanton violence in any way, shape or form. We uphold and abide by the commitment to justice and will do our utmost to contribute to its achievement," Clement said.

Clement said Inspector General Antonio Ramon Lim had already given him the report about Dormitorio's case.

"The inspector general has submitted to me his report and what I asked of the inspector general is to look into the process and the systems that have to be looked into to correct what happened to Cadet Dormitorio," Clement said.

Clement then said this would be the basis for his orders to the PMA leadership.

He said he confident that that the new officials of the PMA would not tolerate hazing.

"Under the new leadership of the Academy, this unfortunate incident, however isolated it may be, will not happen again," Clement said.

"The new commandant has declared 'war on hazing' and we will definitely win," he added. —NB, GMA News