'Ayoko na maulit 'yan!' Nartatez tells new PNPA leadership to strictly enforce anti-hazing rules
Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, ordered the new leadership of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) on Friday, April 17, to strictly enforce anti-hazing rules following an incident that led to the arrest of at least three second year cadets.
Nartatez said the PNPA leadership, under the supervision of its new director, Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, must implement a total crackdown on hazing and ensure that all cadet training activities are closely supervised and strictly compliant with anti-hazing laws and PNP regulations.
“The new PNPA leadership must enforce anti-hazing rules without exception. There will be no tolerance for practices that endanger cadets. We expect strict supervision, immediate reporting of violations, and full accountability at all levels of command,” he said.
The order followed the relief of PNPA director Police Brig. Gen. Andrei Dizon and eight other academy officials after a hazing case on April 3 when three second year cadets applied a mixture of muriatic acid and liquid sosa at the back of 22 plebes.
The victims sustained burn injuries on their backs, and some even reached their scrotum and anus.
The PNPA has long been under scrutiny due to recurring allegations of hazing despite existing laws banning the practice.
“This is a wake-up call that we need to change our mindset from blind tradition to professional discipline. As we implement reforms with the new academy leadership, we expect results fast, and promises [of reforms] are not enough,” the PNP chief said.
The three cadets are now facing expulsion and criminal charges for violating the Anti-Hazing Law.
Nartatez said that additional monitoring for the cadets will be sustained to ensure compliance.
“There will be regular audits and strict monitoring. Training should build character, not fear. The culture within the PNPA must change starting now,” he added.