PMA wants suspects in Dormitorio case to face court martial

MANILA, Philippines — Suspects involved in the death of freshman cadet Darwin Dormitorio may face court martial proceedings.

Criminal charges have already been filed by Dormitorio’s family against the 7 cadets and 5 officers last Tuesday, but the cadets have yet to be formally discharged from service.

Philippine Military Academy commandant of cadets Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said they are proposing that the cadets to face military court.

The cadets charged with hazing and murder in a Baguio City prosecutor’s office were: Cadets 3rd Class Shalimar Imperial Jr., Cadets 3rd Class Felix Lumbag Jr., Cadet 3rd Class John Vincent Manalo, Cadet 1st Class Axl Rey Sanupao, Cadet 2nd Class Christian Zacarias, Cadet 3rd Class Rey David John Volante and Cadet 3rd Class Julius Carlo Tadena. They remain under the PMA custody.

PMA spokesperson Capt. Cheryl Tindog said an evaluation is ongoing whether or not the officers linked to the cadet’s death would also undergo court martial.

The tactical officers and medical practitioners who were indicted for “dereliction of duty” — Maj. Rex Bolo, Capt. Jeffrey Batistiana, Capt. Flor Apple Apostol, Capt. Maria Ofelia Beloy and Lt. Col. Cesar Candelaria — are on floating status.

Dormitorio died last Sept. 18 within campus after suffering injuries from hazing in the hands of his fellow cadets. /je