By Jeffrey Damicog
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was ordered on Monday to join the investigation on the death of a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet who allegedly died because of hazing.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra gave the directive through Department Order No. 503.
In his order, Guevarra told the NBI that it has been “directed and granted authority to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the hazing of PMA Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio that resulted in his death on 18 September 2019 in Baguio City…”
The Secretary also instructed the NBI that “if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible therefor.”
“Further, Director Gierran is hereby directed to submit records on the progress of the subject investigation and case build-up to the Office of the Secretary,” he added.
It was learned that Dormitorio had been complaining of stomach ache and vomiting.
A fellow cadet found Dormitorio unconscious inside Room 209 of Mayo Hall Annex at the PMA compound in Baguio City around 3:40 a.m. last September 18.
Dormitorio was rushed to the PMA Hospital where he was declared dead around 5:15 a.m. on the same day.
Three of Dormitorio's upperclassmen have been identified as persons of interest in the case while some 20 others are being considered as witnesses.