Napolcom to sanction cadets in PNPA mauling
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) vowed to impose appropriate sanctions including possible dismissal to the police academy cadets who allegedly mauled their upperclassmen after the graduation rites at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, last week.
Napolcom Vice Chairman Rogelio Casurao was infuriated saying there is no reason for PNPA involved in the violent incident to remain in the academy if they are found guilty.
“Ang mga kadeteng ’yan (These cadets), they have no reasons to continue with their training. So they have to be dismissed from the cadetship. Kasi masyadong mabigat, serious itong ginawa nila (What they have done is very serious),” Casurao said.
It was reported that six new PNPA graduates were reportedly mauled by their underclassmen after their graduation rites on Wednesday.
Initial investigation revealed the cadets allegedly mauled their seniors after they were supposedly subjected to strict policies.
Casurao said a “very serious” investigation into the incident has begun adding that criminal charges await the cadets involved in the mauling.
Condemnation
The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership condemned the incident, although Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa acknowledged that underclassmen mauling their seniors after graduation has been an “on and off tradition” in the academy.
The PNP Chief was quick to say, though, that this tradition should end as it promotes a cycle of violence.
Dela Rosa added that he is leaving the investigation of the incident to the PNPA.
Under probe
Chief Superintendent Joseph Adnol, PNPA director, said at least 41 cadets are now being investigated regarding the alleged mauling of six members of the PNPA “Maragtas” Class of 2018 who graduated last March 21.
Adnol said the incident reportedly happened at the PNPA barracks between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., after the graduation rites which President Duterte attended.
Adnol said the “cadets of interests” seemed to have “personal grudges” on their upperclassmen after the underclassmen mauled them using arnis sticks and stones. He added that those involved are on their third year in the academy and set to graduate next year.
“Ang lumalabas sa investigation namin, they want to get even with their upperclassmen. Sila ’yung mga strict sa implementation ng mga policies (According to the investigation, they want to get even with their upperclass men. [The upperclassmen] are the ones strict in the implementation of the policies),” Andol said.
Charges filed
Of the 41 cadets, 15 were already charged with an administrative case.
Moreover, nine cadets would be charged criminally after two of the victims are set to file a case before the Silang, Cavite Police Station Monday afternoon, Andol said.
The nine were identified as 2C Donald Ramirez Kissing; 2C Jem Camcam Peralta; 2C Clint John Baguidodol, 2C Paul Christopher De Guzman Macalalad; 2C Loreto Aquino Tuliao Jr; and certain 2C Delos Santos; 2C Calamba; 2C Coplat; and 2C Amanon.
The victims who filed the case are Police Inspectors Ylam Lambenecio and Arjay Divino. The four other victims are Police Insp. Mark Kevin Villares; Floyd Traquena; Jan Paul Magmoyao; and Jail Insp. Arjay Cuasay.
He also stated that the cadets would be dismissed from the academy “if they will be found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a cadet/officer.”