Dormitorio kin file murder raps vs PMA officers, cadets

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The family of Fourth Class Cadet Darwin Dormitorio yesterday filed hazing, torture and murder charges against seven cadets and five officers of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) before the Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office.

Dormitorio’s brother Dexter filed the charges against First Class Cadet Axl Rey Sanupao, 2/C Cadet Christian Zacarias and 3/C Cadets Rey David John Volante, Julius Carlo Tadena, John Vincent Manalo, Felix Lumbag Jr. and Shalimar Imperial at 5 p.m. at the Baguio Justice Hall.

Senior tactical officers Maj. Rex Bolo and Echo Company tactical officer Capt. Jeffrey Batistiana were charged as accomplices in the hazing that killed Dormitorio. Both have been relieved from their posts.

Capt. Florence Apple Apostol and Maj. Maria Ofelia Beloy, attending and assisting physicians, respectively, and PMA hospital commander Col. Cesar Candelaria were charged with dereliction of duty as provided under Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code. 

They have also been relieved from their posts.

Apostol certified that Dormitorio died of cardiac arrest secondary to internal hemorrhage.

“We feel relieved now that charges have been filed,” Dexter said after signing the complaint and swearing to it before Assistant City Prosecutor Bryan Sagsago. 

“But the pain remains,” he added.  

Lawyer Jose Adrian Bonifacio assisted Dexter in filing the case.

Bonifacio will also serve as private prosecutor.

“The matter is now in the hands of the state prosecutors who will decide on what case to file before the court,” Bonifacio said.