PNPA director, 8 others relieved from posts over hazing incident

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday said the top official of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and eight other officers have been relieved from their posts following a hazing incident.

Remulla confirmed to GMA News Online the administrative relief of PNPA director Police Major General Andre Dizon and eight others from their posts. 

“It is an administrative relief,” Remulla told GMA News Online in a message.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that he approved the recommendation of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to conduct a full blown probe on the concerned PNPA officials.

This is for possible criminal and administrative liabilities. 

Over 20 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, while four more suspects have been identified.

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. —VAL, GMA News