Resigned PMA execs not yet of the hook

MANILA, Philippines — Despite quitting their posts, two former Philippine Military Academy (PMA) officials are undergoing investigation by the military  inspector-general for possible liability in the hazing death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

AFP chief Gen. Noel Clement said PMA administrators Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista and Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro are expected to give statements to determine liability on their part, including command responsibility.

Additional information, including the PMA’s failure to inform Dormitorio’s family of his hospital trips, surfaced.

Clement said he has directed incoming PMA superintendent Rear Admiral Allan Cusi “to make a positive difference in winning the quest to rid PMA of maltreatment and in leading the reorientation of the cadets on their views of authority and responsibility in the incipient stage of their training as future officers of the AFP.”

Baguio City police director Col. Allen Rae Co also bared that at least two female doctors at the PMA will face criminal charges in connection with Dormitorio’s death.

Assisting physician Maj. Maria Ofelia Beloy and attending physician Capt. Florence Apple Apostol certified that Dormitorio died of cardiac arrest secondary to internal hemorrhage.

Co said the two physicians will be charged with criminal negligence under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

Apostol and PMA hospital Commander Col. Cesar Candelaria were earlier relieved from their posts just as Evangelista Bacarro resigned.

The Baguio City police also identified 3rd Class Cadets John Vincent Manalo, Julius Carlo Tadena and Rey David John Volante and 2nd Class Cadet Christian Zacarias as suspects in Dormitorio’s fatal hazing.

Co said investigation showed that Manalo joined 3rd Class Cadets Shalimar Imperial and Felix Lumbag Jr. in beating up Dormitorio last Aug. 19 at around 9 p.m. as punishment for the plebe’s spending half of his allowance.

Cadet 1st Class Axl Rey Sanopao is also among the accused.

Co said charges for violating the anti-hazing law are being readied against the cadets.

“The maltreatment lasted for more than 20 minutes. Dormitorio fell down many times,” Co said in his report.

The assault led to Dormitorio’s confinement at the PMA’s Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital for eight days due to multiple hematoma on his abdomen, back and left shoulder. – With Alexis Romero, Artemio Dumlao, Emmanuel Tupas