9 PNPA officials under probe over hazing incident

Nine officials of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) are under investigation for possible administrative and criminal liabilities in connection with a hazing incident involving cadets.

“For the conduct of a full-blown investigation, including pre-charge evaluation of PNPA officers, there are about nine officers involved, and I have approved it," PNP chief Police General Nartatez Jr. said at a press briefing.

"Of course, we are following due process. After that, there may be a reshuffle or movement within the PNP organization,” he added.

Nartatez said that those under investigation include a two-star official and a one-star commandant who are now subject to the approved pre-charge proceedings.

He said he approved last Friday the recommendation of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to conduct a full-blown probe and pre-charge evaluation of the concerned PNPA officials.

Asked whether the officials would be relieved, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, “Hintayin ninyo na lang (Just wait for it). We will make the announcements after the command conference.”

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

“Una-una, nasa senior officers ‘yan—responsibilidad nila ang well-being ng mga cadets. Number two, they have full operational authority over all PNPA grounds, especially the barracks. They can enter at any time to inspect,” he said.

(First, it is the responsibility of senior officers to ensure the well-being of cadets. Second, they have full operational authority over all PNPA grounds, especially the barracks, and can conduct inspections at any time.)

Remulla also noted that the incident allegedly occurred on April 3 but was reported to the PNP chief only on April 7.

“Number three, the crime occurred on April 3, and full information was given to the PNP chief on April 7. So that alone shows there was a lapse,” he said.

“There was an email sent, but it contained no further details. It only mentioned that there was an incident,” he added.

The PNP said a total of 21 fourth-class cadets sustained injuries in the hazing incident, which allegedly took place on April 3.

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

Three suspects were initially arrested, while four others have been identified.

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