Eleazar: ‘Aggressive’ reforms in PNPA underway following cadet’s death

Screengrab from the PNPA website.

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Tuesday assured that “aggressive” reforms in the state police academy are underway, following the death last week of a cadet due to hazing.

Eleazar also said the PNP welcomes the investigation of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on the incident.

“Tinitiyak natin sa ating mga kababayan na agresibo ang pagpapatupad ng repormang iniutos ko at ito ang dahilan kung bakit tayo naglagay ng bagong pinuno ng PNPA,” said Eleazar, referring to the Philippine National Police Academy.

(We assure our countrymen that the implementation of the reforms I have ordered is aggressive and this is why we have appointed a new leader of the PNPA.)

“Welcome din sa amin ang pagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon ng mga taga-CHR sa kasong ito bilang pagrespeto sa kanilang mandato,” he added.

(We also welcome the CHR’s investigation into this case with respect to their mandate.)

PNPA Cadet 3rd Class George Carl Magsayo was killed after his upperclassman Cadet 2nd Class Steven Ceasar Maingat allegedly punched him in the gut five times inside their dormitory on September 23.

A homicide complaint was filed against Maingat on Monday.

“On the part of the PNP, a case of violation of the Anti-Hazing Law resulting in Homicide was already filed against Cadet 2nd Class Steven Caesar Maingat, who is currently under police custody. I have also directed the Director, PNPA to expedite the conduct of the proceedings for his dismissal from the Academy,” Eleazar said.

Earlier, Eleazar ordered the review of the academic policies of the PNPA and to make the necessary adjustments to prevent the repeat of any hazing activities and similar incidents.

On September 27, he named Police Maj. Gen. Alex Sampaga as the new PNPA director after the resignation of Police Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento.

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