PNPA hazing: Authorities identify 4 more suspects for investigation

Authorities on Monday said they have identified four more suspects in the hazing incident at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

“Initial findings show that aside from the three cadets earlier taken into custody, four more cadets have been identified for their direct participation and will be included in the case as the investigation moves toward filing of appropriate charges,” the PNP said.

Subpoenas were served to concerned personnel and cadets, leading to their appearance before investigators.

Joint case conferences and an on-site inspection of the cadet barracks were also conducted to validate statements and gather evidence.

Authorities said case build-up is ongoing to ensure a strong and evidence-based prosecution.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the organization will not tolerate any breach of discipline.

“Hindi natin kukunsintihin ang ganitong gawain. Kung may paglabag, may kaakibat itong pananagutan. Ang hazing ay walang lugar sa PNP,” Nartatez said.

(We will not tolerate this kind of activity. If there is a violation, there will be liability. Hazing has no place in the PNP.)

“We are committed to ensuring a thorough, impartial, and swift investigation,” he added.

At least nine PNPA officials are currently under investigation for possible administrative and criminal accountability over the supposed delayed and insufficient reporting of the incident.

“Of course, may mga proseso tayong sinusunod (we are following a process). After that, so as an effect, there will be a reshuffle or movement for the PNP organization,” Nartatez said.

“Lalong-lalo na ang nandoon ay (Especially that the officials there are) two-star and another commandant that is one-star, who are subject of the pre-charge investigation that I have approved,” he added.

Asked if these PNPA officials will be relieved, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, “Hintayin ninyo na lang (Just wait). We will make the announcements after the command conference."

Remulla said there was negligence on the part of the PNPA officials.

“Una-una, nasa senior officers, 'yan ay responsibilidad nila ang well-being ng mga cadets. Number two, their full operational authority in all grounds of the PNPA, lalong-lalo na sa barracks. They can enter any time para mag-inspect,” he said.

(First of all, it is the responsibility of senior officers to ensure the well-being of the cadets. Number two, their full operational authority in all grounds of the PNPA, especially in the barracks. They can enter at any time to inspect.)

Aside from this, Remulla noted that the incident happened on April 3 but it was reported to Nartatez on April 7.

“Number three, the crime occurred April 3 and the full information was given to the PNP Chief, April 7. So that alone, nagkaroon ng lapse (there was a lapse),” he said.

“There was an email sent but there were no other further details. Sinabi lang na may (It was only reported that there was an) incident, pero walang (but no) further details,” he added.

The PNP said that a total of 21 fourth-class cadets sustained injuries from the hazing incident, which allegedly occurred on April 3.

The victims reportedly suffered burns and injuries after being exposed to a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid, according to the PNP.

Three suspects were initially arrested.

Initial findings showed that the hazing stemmed from an internal issue involving a cadet who intended to resign, with underclassmen allegedly punished after being blamed for the situation. — RSJ/AOL, GMA News