DND lauds top PMA officials for resigning over hazing death of cadet

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense on Tuesday praised the resignation of two ranking officials of the Philippine Military Academy, following the hazing death of a cadet within campus. 

PMA superintendent Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista and Cadet Corps commandant Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro handed their resignations earlier in the day “by virtue of command responsibility.”

Defense spokesperson Dir. Arsenio Andolong said the two officials have shown “the hallmark of true leadership as espoused by the military profession and command the principle of command responsibility” with their resignation. 

“We wish both gentlemen the best in their future endeavors,” he said. 

Outgoing AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. has accepted the resignation of the two officials, said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. 

Their replacements have yet to be announced. 

On Monday, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo called for the resignation of Evangelista.

Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio would have been part of PMA Class 2023, but he died last week from injuries sustained from maltreatment. 

Investigators are looking at 3 suspects and 2 persons of interest in relation to Dormitorio’s death, while nine others are considered as witnesses. Two PMA officers who have direct responsibility over the cadet’s death were also relieved from their posts. /je