Dismissal order vs 5 cadets in hazing at PNPA out in 20 days

MANILA, Philippines — The possible dismissal order against the five cadets involved in the alleged hazing of a freshman at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) may be out in around 20 days from Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Lt. Col. Byron Allatog, PNPA spokesperson, said an administrative case of grave delinquency has been filed against the five cadets last week in relation to the alleged maltreatment on Cadet 4th Class John Desiderio, who was hospitalized on October 29 due to stomach pains.

“We are looking at a timeline of 20 days bago maresolve na ang case na ‘yan (before the case can be resolved). Within 20 days meron na talagang administrative case or madidismiss na itong involved na cadets (these cadets will be ordered dismissed),” he said in an interview with INQUIRER.net.

READ: PNPA looking at possible case of hazing on hospitalized cadet

READ: ‘Hazing’ victim tags 5 PNPA cadets

He said the PNPA has given the cadets time to defend themselves as part of due process.

“Kasi kapag hindi natin gawin ‘yun, ang mangyayari is iko-contest nila na (Because if we will not do that, they will contest that) they were not given a chance to defend themselves,” he explained.

Allatog refused to identify the five cadets tagged in the affidavit-complaint of Desiderio pending the filing of a criminal case against them by the municipal police station in Silang, Cavite, where the PNPA is located.

The criminal case has not been filed as of Tuesday, according to Maj. Resty Soriano, Silang police chief.

According to Allatog, the local police is still awaiting for the medico-legal report on Desiderio before the filing of the criminal case.

The PNPA reported the alleged hazing on Desiderio nearly two months since the fatal hazing on Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio allegedly by his upperclassmen at the Philippine Military Academy.  /muf

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