9 charged over hazing of 22 PNPA cadets

MANILA, Philippines —  Criminal complaints have been filed against seven cadets and two police officers in connection with the alleged hazing of 22 plebes at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Monday filed charges for violating Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Imus, Cavite.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. identified the respondents as Cadets 3rd Class Renald Brunio, Renz Matthew Cutab, Mhicco Escalante, Lance Elroy Gayramon and Harold Heje; C2Cs James Bandao and Christopher Dayag; tactical officer police Maj. Mark Anthony Cailing and his companion, tactical non-commissioned officer Senior M/Sgt. Silverio Dolorfino Jr.

The filing of charges affirmed the PNP’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting the over 1,200 PNPA cadets from abuse, Nartatez said.

“Regardless of the people and ranks involved, there will always be a certainty of facing the consequences of violating our rules and regulations, and the rule of law,” Nartatez said in a statement.

The victims, who are fourth class cadets, suffered burns after their upperclassmen poured a mixture of muriatic acid and drain cleaning chemical on their bodies on April 3.

PNPA director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said that  initially, only three upperclassmen were identified as suspects. He said four more names came out following the investigation.

Cailing and Dolorfino were included in the charge sheet for failing to supervise the cadets. They were absent when the incident occurred at the PNPA barracks.

Maranan said another hazing victimizing two other fourth class cadets has reportedly occurred.

Maranan said the maltreatment was discovered during an inspection on Sunday night, wherein the tactical officers found bruises on the feet of the cadets.

The victims said two third class cadets hit them with sticks.

Maranan said the hazing might have occurred after the April 3 incident. He ordered the suspects arrested and brought to the Silang police for investigation.

Maranan ordered the dismissal from the PNPA of all cadets involved in the hazing.

Measures intended to stop the abuse of cadets at the country’s premier training institution for future police officers have been placed.

Maranan ordered the installation of closed-circuit television cameras in certain areas of the PNPA and required tactical officers to wear body cameras, to ensure that their activities are monitored.