5 PNPA cadets probed over alleged hazing

Five cadets at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) are under investigation over their involvement in an alleged hazing of one of their underclassmen.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa admitted to a “bad start” because of the incident two weeks after the police took over the training institution.

Cadet fourth class John Desiderio was taken to the PNP Hospital on Oct. 29 after he complained of stomach pain due to alleged hazing. He was later transferred to the East Avenue Medical Center.

The PNPA said Desiderio was discharged from the hospital and has reported for duty.

Gamboa said he directed PNPA executive director Brig. Gen. Jose Chiquito Malayo to investigate the incident and place those involved under restrictive custody.

He said concerned squad and platoon leaders were stripped of their authority.

“We will get to the bottom of this... dahil may nangyaring

ganun... If indeed it is maltreatment, we will see to it that these cadets who are involved will be dismissed from the PNPA,” Gamboa said.

‘Isolated incident’

He said he was saddened that a cadet was hospitalized over alleged maltreatment at the PNPA, but maintained that it was an “isolated incident.”

Gamboa asked the public to give the PNP a chance, saying it is still on transition in the supervision of the PNPA.

The PNP took control of the PNPA from the Philippine Public Safety College last month.

“As a matter of fact the turnover is not yet complete, but nevertheless we do not escape from that responsibility. Kung bad start

tayo let it start that way but we will do our best na hindi na mangyari ito ulit,” Gamboa told a press briefing.

“Baka kulang lang siguro sa education talaga iyung mga cadets natin. Baka ayaw pa rin nila mabago ang traditional way of instilling discipline. Hindi nila alam iyung demand ngayon, especially with the Anti-Hazing Law,” he added. The incident occured two months after PMA fourth class cadet Darwin Dormitorio died due to hazing.