In police parlance, what happened at the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang, Cavite on New Year’s eve was like an ordinary police official beating up his Chief PNP.
The graduating cadet who was mauled by his classmate is the Regimental Commander or the First Captain, the highest ranking cadet of the Cadet Corps of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).
As the highest ranking cadet officer, Cadet First Class Joab Mar Nacnas is in charge of discipline and welfare of all the cadets of the PNPA and enjoys the power of the highest commanding officer in a chain of command.
That was one of the main reasons why he confronted and warned his three classmates led by Cadet First Class Denvert Dulansi, when he caught them engaging in a drinking session at the roof deck of the Lakan 2 Dormitory inside the PNPA at around 11 p.m. on December 31.
The incident triggered a heated argument and ended with Dulansi beating up Nacnas.
Nacnas suffered injuries mostly in the face while Dulansi was taken to the local police station.
“Suspect Cadet First Class Dulansi was also brought to PNPA dispensary for medical examination and based on the issued medical certificate was positive for an alcoholic breath. He was turned-in to Silang Municipal Police Station for proper investigation for a case of physical injuries,” the PNPA said in a statement.
“PNPA officials had commenced an action for his administrative cases for violation of PNPA rules and regulations,” it added.
Disturbing
In a chain command which the police, military and other law enforcement agencies strictly adhere to, the commanding officer, which Nacnas position as Regimental Commander or First Captain represents, is looked up to with honor and dignity— and disrespecting him, much more hitting him, is considered a mortal sin.
The Regimental Commander or First Captain or Baron is considered as the assistant of the Commandant of Cadets on matters pertaining to imposing discipline, administration and training of the Cadet Corps.
In the case of the PNPA mauling incident, the circumstances wherein Nacnas was imposing discipline among the cadets but was beaten up by officers below his rank is considered as a grave offense.
Police and military officials who are graduates of both the PNPA and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) told the Manila Bulletin that what Dulansi did to the Nacnas was shocking and must not be condoned.
“The incident could lead to a breakdown of discipline considering that the victim is the highest ranking cadet official. If not properly dealt with, this could send a wrong message that it is okay to break the chain of command when they officially join the PNP,” a police official told the Manila Bulletin.
“The Class Baron or First Captain must be protected. It is a known rule in the Academy,” another official said.
Dismissal
As such, PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said he had already ordered the start of dismissal proceedings against Dulansi.
“The PNP has no tolerance for wrong doings of erring personnel, and will never tolerate any misconduct, abuse or breach of discipline,” said Sinas.
In a statement, the PNPA said it has no tolerance for undesirable behavior nor any misconduct and breach of discipline.
“Even for an isolated case as it seems, the academy treats all cadets’ well-being evenly and will continuously employ activities and programs for their character development,” the statement read.
“Esprit de corps among the cadets is continuously strengthened and an increase of capacity to closely monitor cadets’ activities in this new normal is doubled to maintain discipline at all levels,” it added.
Not the First Time
In 2018, at least 41 PNPA cadets were investigated after they beat up six of their upperclassmen who were on their way to their barracks after the graduation rites.
The underclassmen, the investigation revealed, wanted to get even with their upperclassmen for being strict on the implementation of rules and policies inside the PNPA. The incident was considered as a ‘farewell beating’.
Several cadets were kicked out of the PNPA as a result.
The PNPA is one of the major sources of officers of the PNP. But aside from the PNP, PNPA cadets have the option to join the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
PNPA cadets are government scholars who are receiving salary in their four-year stay in the Academy.