Army’s 4ID command mourns PMA cadet’s death

Soldiers keep watch over the late PMA cadet Darwin Dormitorio’s flag-draped casket at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Cagayan de Oro City, Saturday evening, Sept. 21. Jigger J. Jerusalem / Inquirer Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –– The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) based here has mourned the death from hazing of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Darwin Dormitorio.

Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander, said in a statement that they were saddened by the untimely demise of Dormitorio, whom he referred to as “a son of a former Diamond trooper.”

“4ID is one with the family as we also lost a son who will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy goes to the bereaved family, relatives, and friends as we continue to provide all the necessary assistance to the family of late Cadet Dormitorio,” Gacal said.

Darwin was the youngest of three children of retired Army Colonel William Dormitorio of PMA Marangal Class of 1974.

When he was an Army major, the older Dormitorio, a member of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, figured in a coup in Mindanao spearheaded by then Colonel Alexander Noble.

Dormitorio’s remains arrived at the Laguindingan airport on Saturday via a special Air Force flight.

The 4ID accorded him arrival honors and provided appropriate funeral services.

“We, parents would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the parents and family of late Cdt. Darwin Dormitorio. No words can convey our heartfelt sympathy that is felt towards you. May you find comfort and solace with the thought that God is with you always,” said Clementino Villagantol, president of the PMA – Cadet and Alumni Parents Association Northern Mindanao.

Dormitorio’s remains are laid at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes here. His burial is set on Tuesday, Sept. 24. /lzb