PNP OIC Gamboa on alleged hazing at PNPA: It’s an isolated case

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday said the alleged maltreatment incident in the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) is an isolated case.

"There is only one incident pero kapag nagsunod-sunod saka natin sabihin na talamak but as of yet there is only a single incident," Gamboa said during a press briefing.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Byron Allatog, spokesperson of the PNPA, earlier said one Cadet 4th Class John Desiderio was brought to a hospital last week after complaining of stomach pains.

Allatog said a probe has been conducted to determine all possible angles behind the cadet's hospitalization.

Gamboa, who admitted to be disheartened with the incident, vowed that if the incident was really hazing, all involved cadets will be dismissed from the PNPA.

"Agad ni-restrict 'yung mga involved and including yung mga direct involved like the squad leader, platoon leader were also stripped off of their authority to oversee and supervise the plebes but we will get to the bottom of this," Gamboa said.

War on hazing

Gamboa was asked if he would also urge PNPA officials to wage a war on hazing like what the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) had done due to the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio in September after being reportedly maltreated by his upperclassmen.

"Of course, kaya nga meron tayong anti-hazing law and the penalties are very harsh," Gamboa said.

"I just don't know, baka kulang lang siguro sa education talaga 'yung mga cadets natin. Baka ayaw pa rin nila magbago over the traditional way of getting discipline," he added.

Gamboa said Desiderio was already discharged from the hospital and he will already return to PNPA for duty. — RSJ, GMA News