Hazing is a matter of perception, PNP chief Albayalde says

MANILA, Philippines — Following the recent death of a fourth-class cadet at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) due to hazing, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Monday that hazing is, in fact, a “matter of personal perception.”

“You know, hazing is a matter of personal perception, parang (just like) accusation. These are all matters of personal perception on how you will accept it as a person and how you will accept it as a cadet,” he said in a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Albayalde, a member of the PMA Sinagtala Class of 1986, even admitted being subjected to hazing during his time as a cadet.

“I will be lying in front of you kung sabihin ko na hindi ako na-haze (if I will say that I was not subjected to hazing),” he said, adding that he has nothing against his squad leader who initiated the hazing.

He explained that he is even thankful to his squad leader at the PMA, a former Major General, for helping in molding him for who he is now.

Albayalde, however, was also quick to clarify that his remark is only his opinion and that the PNP does not tolerate hazing.

“I am not saying that we are tolerating hazing, no, of course. Let me assure the public… hazing was never tolerated, especially now that we have the [anti-]hazing law [and] stiffer penalties on hazing,” he said. /gsg