PNP, NBI to probe PMA cadet’s death

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines — A 20-year-old cadet of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) died while being treated in a hospital on Wednesday after vomiting and complaining of stomach pain. 

Cadet fourth class Darwin Dormitorio, who was brought to the PMA station hospital at around 4 a.m., was declared dead at around 5:15 a.m., according to PMA doctor Florence Apple Apostol. 

“Initial findings... is cardiac arrest secondary to internal hemorrhage,” Apostol said. 

 Maj. Renan Afan, PMA spokesman, said an investigation is ongoing.

“The PMA assures the public that every cadet’s well-being is constantly and systematically being considered in every aspect of education and training,“ Afan said in a statement. 

“He was a treasured cadet of the PMA community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dormitorio family,” he added.

Afan said the PMA is extending all the necessary support to the family.

The National Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the police is conducting a parallel probe into the incident.

Hazing victim?

Initial findings showed the body bore ”some marks,” a source said, citing autopsy conducted by the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives.

However, the source said there is no concrete evidence that the marks were due to hazing.

“They never learn. Hazing is as old a practice as far as we can remember. Many upperclass cadets in the past were either dismissed. Some had served time in a military stockade, even charged before a court martial and lost their opportunities in life,” Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.

Lacson said the father of the victim was his underclassmen at the  PMA. Lacson belongs to the PMA Class of 1971.

“It is too late for them... they will have to face the consequence of their indiscretions. While we sympathize with the family of the victim... we pity those probably out of misplaced enthusiasm are facing possible court martial proceedings on account of this yet another unfortunate incident,” he said.

Dormitorio will be cremated today. His ashes will be flown to his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe