PMA says another cadet assaulted in 2024
Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Bongbong Marcos
BAGUIO CITY — A freshman cadet of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) was “harmed” inside their barracks in 2024, and the perpetrators have since been “sanctioned,” the premier military school disclosed on Monday without providing further details.
The cadet’s ordeal came to light only last week after he filed a police blotter report, alleging hazing and other forms of abuse he claimed to have endured from Sept. 2 to 29, 2024.
Two of his fellow plebes, a second-class cadet, and a first-class cadet were listed as suspects in the report.
The victim was hospitalized on Sept. 29, first at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City, and later at PMA’s Fort del Pilar Station Hospital.
He was discharged on June 30, 2025, though it remains unclear what medical treatment necessitated his eight-month confinement.
The alleged incident took place a month after a Baguio Regional Trial Court sentenced former cadets Shalimar Imperial Jr., Felix Lumbag Jr., and Julius Carlos Tadena to life imprisonment for the 2019 hazing death of plebe Darwin Dormitorio, who succumbed to internal injuries. Dormitorio’s case prompted the PMA to implement institutional reforms.
READ: 3 ex-cadets in deadly PMA hazing found guilty
Among the officials tasked with making changes in 2019 was now Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner.
“We confirm that a thorough and impartial investigation was completed in accordance with our military justice system. The investigation found that a fourth-class cadet was harmed by a classmate in September 2024, and the cadets involved have been sanctioned under AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and CCAFP (Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines) regulations,” according to Navy Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo, chief of the PMA public affairs office.
“The victim is currently on indefinite leave while awaiting discharge orders based on AFP Medical Board findings unrelated to the injuries sustained. We respect the decision of the cadet’s family should they choose to pursue legal remedies in civilian courts,” he added./mcm
