42 PNPA cadets expelled over hazing of plebes

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-two cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy have been expelled from the PNPA for remaining silent about a hazing incident that left 22 plebes injured.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday that the expelled cadets were present when upperclassmen poured a mixture of muriatic acid and drain cleaning chemical on the bodies of the plebes.

The incident reportedly occurred at the barracks of the PNPA in Silang, Cavite on April 3.

“They just watched, they remained quiet, they pretended to be asleep,” Remulla said at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel in Manila.

He said the refusal of the cadets to act as witnesses constitute dishonesty, which should be penalized with dismissal from the academy.

“Those who refused to stand as witnesses and refused to speak were expelled, but no charges were filed against them,” Remulla said.

Seven cadets and two police officers are facing criminal charges for violating Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law in connection with the incident.

To prevent hazing from happening again, Remulla said the PNPA has instituted reforms including prohibiting upperclassmen from entering the barracks of underclassmen at night.

“Senior cadets can no longer access junior cadets at night. Guards have been assigned to watch over them,” Remulla said.