An anti-hazing measure recently implemented at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) was found to be effective—and two sneaky cadets are now in big trouble.

That measure is the regular body inspection, and PNPA director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said it led to the discovery of foot injuries on two cadets who later admitted that they were struck by their upperclassmen.

“During the conduct of investigation, the two cadets said it was due to the stick used by their upperclassmen to hit their feet,” said Maranan, adding that the incident was discovered on April 19. 

He said the two involved cadets are now detained at the Silang Municipal Police Station in Cavite and facing charges relating to the violation of anti-hazing law.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. lauded the immediate action of the new PNPA leadership, as he emphasized that the organization will maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding violence among the ranks of the country's future police leaders.

“Aggressive policy reforms are ongoing at the PNPA and this new case was a product of early interventions through regular monitoring and detection of hazing incidents. This is being investigated to make it clear that we will maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding violence among the ranks of our future police leaders,” said Nartatez. 

“We will not allow favoritism or any cover-up. Anyone found responsible, regardless of their year level, will face the full force of the law,” he added.

Nartatez said the PNPA leadership was tasked to identify all those involved in the incident, not only those who carried out the acts but also those who failed to stop them.

The implementation of new measures was an offshoot of the April 3 muriatic acid hazing in which 22 fourth-class PNPA cadets were injured, including burns caused by exposure to a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid.

“We will make the cost of hazing too high to pay. We will ensure that anyone who attempts it will be dismissed from service and imprisoned. Our goal is a total cultural shift. We are institutionalizing safeguards so that brotherhood is defined by discipline and respect, not by violence,” said Nartatez.

Aside from the daily body check on cadets, the PNPA will also be implementing new rules that include installation of CCTVS especially in known hazing sites inside the Academy and the use of body-worn cameras of tactical officers.

“We are also implanting daily barracks inspections to confiscate all the possible instruments that maybe used for hazing,” said Maranan.

All the new policy reforms, he said, are aimed at ensuring that the PNPA will be a hazing-free academic and training institution.