By The Reportorial Team
Three Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) cadets were arrested for allegedly hazing over 20 underclassmen, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.
The purported incident was discovered by the authorities at the academy’s barracks in Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, early morning on April 3, it said in the report.
But, according to an initial police report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Calabarzon (CIDG 4A), the three implicated cadets — all sophomores — were taken into custody on the night of April 7.
The initial CIDG 4A police report also specified that there were at least 22 victims.
Neither the PNP statement nor the CIDG 4A report specified when and where the alleged hazing activity took place; as well as why there was a four-day gap between when the incident was supposedly discovered and when the implicated cadets were reportedly arrested.
However, the PNP detailed that the victims were found with burns and injuries from being “exposed to a mix of drain cleaner and muriatic acid.”
“The hazing began after the plebes (freshmen) were blamed for an issue involving a cadet who intended to resign, which led to the group being punished,” the agency explained.
The three implicated cadets await charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act. They may also be expelled from the PNPA.
In connection with the alleged incident, the police are also investigating seven other John Does to determine their involvement in the purported hazing activity and the tactical officer assigned to supervise the cadets at the time has been relieved from his post.
The victims are now being given medical attention and psychological support, the PNP added.
So far, this confirms PNP’s swift and decisive action in connection with a hazing incident involving cadets of the PNPA.
“The incident was immediately acted upon, resulting in the custody of all individuals involved for proper investigation and legal proceedings.
“The PNP enforces a strict and unwavering zero-tolerance policy against hazing and all forms of maltreatment, which are grave violations of law and institutional discipline.
“Let this serve as a clear and unequivocal position: the PNP will not protect, tolerate, or excuse any act of hazing or abuse.
“Those found responsible will face full legal accountability, administrative sanctions, and the loss of the privilege to serve in the institution. There will be no cover-up and no leniency.
“Command responsibility shall be strictly applied. Any lapse in leadership, supervision, or discipline will be addressed accordingly under existing rules and regulations.
“Justice will be pursued to its full extent. The PNP assures the public that due process will be observed and that all those responsible will be held accountable without fear or favor,” PNP Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartates, Jr. said in a statement.
All PNPA cadets and personnel are reminded that hazing and any form of abuse have no place in the institution and are strictly prohibited.
Nartates added that the PNP remains resolute in upholding accountability, enforcing discipline, and safeguarding the rule of law within its ranks.
