The Philippine National Police (PNP) filed on Monday, Sept. 27, a criminal case against a cadet of its Academy in connection with the death of Cadet 3rd Class George Karl Magsayo who collapsed and later died after receiving body punches as punishment.
A case of violation of the Republic Act 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Law resulting in Homicide was slapped against Cadet 2nd Class Steven Ceasar Maingat before the Cavite Provincial Prosecutor Office. It was filed by the Silang Municipal Police Station.
Maingat was tagged as the one who repeatedly punched Magsayo inside one of the PNPA quarters at around 5:30 p.m. on September 23. Reportedly, it was a punishment for Magsayo for committing an offense that drew the ire of Maingat.
The criminal case against Maingat is separate from the administrative charges that would be filed against him wherein the maximum penalty is dismissal from the Academy.
PNP chief Gen . Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said both the criminal and administrative cases against Maingat are a strong message that the PNP does not tolerate misbehavior among its cadets.
The PNPA is under the supervision of the PNP after a long legislative fight against the Philippine Public Safety College. PNPA graduates may opt to enter the PNP, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Following the death of Magsayo, Eleazar ordered the review of the policies at the PNPA and installed Police Maj. Gen. Alex Sampaga as the new PNPA director on Monday.
"As a PNPA alumnus himself, I expect PMGen Sampaga to bring in innovative ideas and fresh perspective that would effectively implement the necessary adjustments in further improving the institution in order for each and every cadet to live up to its core values of Justice, Integrity and Service," said Eleazar in a statement.
"Meanwhile, a criminal case will be filed against Cadet 2nd Class Steven Ceasar Maingat today in connection with the death of Cadet 3rd Class Magsayo. This is separate from the administrative cases that would be filed against him which I assure to be the grounds for his dismissal from the Academy," he added.
On Monday, the Commission on Human Rights said it will investigate the death of Magsayo while two lawmakers called for reforms in the PNPA.
Eleazar said that reforms are continuously being done, adding that immediate action on the case of Magsayo is proof that the PNP does not tolerate wrongdoings in the Academy.
"Let this serve as a stern warning to all the PNPA cadets that the PNP leadership will never tolerate this misbehavior and serious breach of discipline and moral values," said Eleazar.
"The Filipino people expect so much from you as their scholars and future protectors. Do not fail them again," he added.