The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) is now investigating five of its cadets for possible involvement in maltreating a neophyte cadet who was recently taken to a hospital due to suspected physical abuse.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Three upperclassmen of Cadet 4th Class John Desiderio were earlier identified as the ones who allegedly maltreated him, but two more were identified when investigators were able to talk to the victim.
PNPA spokesman Lt. Col. Byron Allatog said the five cadets were immediately placed in isolation pending the results of the investigation.
“The affidavit complaint of subject cadet was already received by our investigator in the hospital and from the initial respondents of three cadets, two others are identified or a total of five now,” said Allatog.
“Said identified cadets will be directed to explain within 24 hours before a formal administrative charge will be filed against them,” he added.
Allatog said police investigators from the Silang Municipal Police Station already met with Desiderio to assist him in the filing of separate criminal charges.
The criminal charges would likely be related to the violation of the Anti-Hazing Law.
Desiderio was taken to the PNP General Hospital in the morning of October 29 after he complained of stomach pains.
He was later transferred to the East Avenue Medical Center.
“It could be a possible case of maltreatment but we are still waiting for the statement of the cadet to confirm thoroughly once he will be back at PNPA,” said Allatog in an earlier statement.
Desiderio is reportedly in good condition now and was already discharged from the hospital.
In September, the Philippine Military Academy was rocked with controversy with the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio reportedly due to hazing.