‘Hazing’ victim tags 5 PNPA cadets

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) said Monday that five cadets might be involved in the alleged hazing of a freshman, who was recently hospitalized due to stomach pains.

PNPA spokesperson Lt. Col. Byron Allatog said the affidavit-complaint of Cadet 4th Class John Desiderio, the victim of the alleged hazing, has already been received by an investigator.

READ: PNPA looking at possible case of hazing on hospitalized cadet

“[The] identified cadets [mentioned in the complaint] will be directed to explain within 24 hours before a formal administrative charge be filed against them,” Allatog said in a statement.

He said the cadets, whose names have not been disclosed, will be isolated at PNPA pending the resolution of the case.

Investigators from the Silang Municipal Police Station also went to the East Avenue Medical Center on Monday to assist the victim in his statement for the filing of criminal charges against the suspects.

Desiderio was rushed to the PNPA dispensary on the morning of October 29. He was later sent to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame then to East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa has vowed dismissal against the involved cadets should the investigation confirm their liability to the crime.

The alleged hazing happened just over a month after the PNP formally took over the jurisdiction of the academy from the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), and nearly two months since the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio due to hazing allegedly by his upperclassmen at the Philippine Military Academy. /kga