PMA vows strict adherence to “no hazing policy’’

MANILA, Philippines- A month after hazing was brought to the spotlight anew when a law student fell victim to fraternity hazing, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) vowed Wednesday to achieve zero hazing incidents with the incoming cadets.

Major General Nonato Peralta Jr., PMA Superintendent, said in a statement that they will strictly adhere to the “No Hazing Policy” and encouraged incoming cadets to “report all maltreatment that comes to their attention.”

Peralta will be addressing the incoming cadets on Thursday, March 29, at the V. Luna Hospital compound to inform them of the Academy’s policy.

He will also be meeting with the parents of the new cadets to encourage them “to file a criminal case against the perpetrators in a civil court” in case of any maltreatment of their sons or daughters.

“The meeting of the parents of the incoming plebes is an integral part of the indoctrination of the plebes into military life inside the Academy,” Peralta said.

“It is also vitally aimed at asserting the PMA’s resolve and commitment to ensure that the excesses of the past are no longer tolerated by the institution,” he added.

The officer corps of the PMA and the upperclassmen of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines were fully supportive of Peralta’s vow to stop maltreatment in the PMA, the statement said.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Tenefrancia, Commander of the Civil Relations Service of the AFP, said in the statement that the PMA “trains future military leaders of the country and does not tolerate any form of violence in order to educate the students.”

He advised the incoming cadets that “strength of character, self-discipline, [and] commitment” are what will make them succeed in the PMA.

The cadets are set to undergo cadet basic training, or colloquially known as “beast barracks”, starting April 1.