22 PAF men detained for taking part in hazing

Villamor Air Base. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—At least 22 Air Force personnel are currently detained at the Philippine Air Force Headquarters in Villamor Air Base in Pasay due to an alleged hazing incident.

One of the 22 is a junior officer who was part of the training program, said Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya on Tuesday. The rest are cadets of the Officer of Candidate School.

Nine of the cadets were recommended for discharge. Meanwhile, 13 others whose names were withheld are under investigation.

The PAF personnel have been detained since August after the alleged hazing happened during training at San Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas.

Two cadets were reportedly confined in a hospital after sustaining injuries from hazing. They are now back in training, Canaya said.

“Air Force training should be properly done. We want to give the proper physical fitness and training so we do not tolerate body contact and hazing,” Canaya said.