7 PNPA cadets, 2 police officers face criminal raps over hazing incident

Criminal charges have been filed against seven Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) cadets and two police officers in connection with a hazing incident in the institution, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

The accused cadets include five third class cadets and two second class cadets, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño confirmed to GMA News Online.

Also included in the complaint are two police officers, identified as a police commissioned officer and a police non-commissioned officer. 

In a statement, the PNP identified the respondents as:

• Cadet 3rd Class Harold Locop Heje
• Cadet 3rd Class Lance Elroy Guinitaran Gayramon
• Cadet 3rd Class Mhicco Legarda Escalante
• Cadet 3rd Class Renz Matthew Abuhan Cutab
• Cadet 3rd Class Renald Perfecto Brunio
• Cadet 2nd Class James Baldazan Bandao 
• Cadet 2nd Class Christopher Fernandez Dayag
• Tactical Officer of the Day Police Major Mark Anthony T. Cailing
• Tactical Police Non-Commission Officer Police Senior Master Sergeant Silverio M. Dolorfino Jr.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Monday filed the charges for the violation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Imus, Cavite.

“Eradication is a tall order, but it is our goal. We cannot promise zero incidents overnight but malinaw na this will not be tolerated under my leadership,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“Our goal is zero hazing and we are strengthening systems para tuluyan itong mawala (in order for this to finally disappear),” he added.

The respondents were charged for violating the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

Over 20 fourth class cadets sustained injuries from the hazing incident inside the academy on Good Friday, 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 and four more suspects have been identified.

Following the incident, the PNPA director and eight other officers have been relieved from their posts.

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. — VDV/RF, GMA News