(FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF PMA)
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte pardoned on Sunday the outstanding punishments of all Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets during the graduation rites for the graduating “Bagsik Diwa” Class of 2022 in Baguio City.
“I, as Commander-in-Chief, Armed Forces of the Philippines hereby pardon all outstanding punishments of the underclassmen – second class, third class, fourth class of the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) as recommended by the Superintendent PMA effective today.”
According to PMA Public Affairs Office chief First Lieutenant Christine Mae Calima, cadets acquired punishments from violations of rules and regulations during training.
“During training, some of the Cadets violated rules and regulations of the CCAFP such as being late in formation, unprepared uniform, absent from duty,” she told INQUIRER.net in a message.
“In order for them to be disciplined and ensure that they learned from their mistakes and offenses, they were given corresponding punishments in the form of demerits and touring for a certain hours,” she added.
Touring is when cadets walk around the grandstand for certain hours in battle dress uniform while carrying a rifle.
The 214-strong Bagsik Diwa Class — 49 female cadets and 165 male cadets — completed their Bachelor of Science degree in National Security Management.
Of the graduates, 105 will join the Philippine Army, 52 will enter the Philippine Air Force, and 57 will serve in the Philippine Navy.