9 PNPA officials probed for lapses in hazing case
Nine officials of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) at Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, are facing an investigation for supposed lapses in reporting the alleged hazing of several plebes (first-year cadets) that happened on Good Friday.
“I have approved the recommendation of the investigators … for the conduct of precharge evaluations [against] the officers of the Philippine National Police Academy. There are about nine officers there,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters in Camp Crame on Monday. He did not identify the PNPA officers concerned.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who was also at the press briefing, earlier confirmed the matter in a text message to the Inquirer.
“The crime occurred [on] April 3 and the full information was given to the PNP chief [on] April 7. So that alone, there was a lapse,” Remulla said.
“There was an email sent [to Nartatez], but there were no other further details. They only said there was an incident. But, there were no further details,” he added.
Remulla, however, did not say who emailed the incomplete report to the PNP chief.
Chemical burns
The alleged hazing victims were at least 22 PNPA plebes who suffered burns and injuries after they were exposed to chemicals, specifically, a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid, in their barracks at the PNPA on April 3.
In an earlier report, the PNP said the hazing began “after the plebes were blamed for an issue involving a cadet who intended to resign [leave the academy], which led to the group being punished.”
Three second-year cadets identified as the perpetrators were arrested four days later and charged with violating Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act.
Remulla identified the three suspects as Mhicco Legarda Escalante, Harold Locop Hepe and Lance Elroy Guinitaran Gayramon.
Additional suspects
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño told reporters that police investigators have identified four more sophomore cadets as “conspirators.”
The four who remain on the PNPA campus may also be charged with violating RA 11053.
On the other hand, three John Does are also being investigated for their possible involvement in the alleged hazing, according to Tuaño.
He said that Remulla and Nartatez have yet to make a final decision on whether to administratively relieve PNPA director Maj. Gen. Andre Dizon and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gonzalo Villamor Jr. on the principle of command responsibility.
As for the hazing victims, they have received treatment and are also being given psychological support, according to the PNP.
Reforms ordered
Remulla further said that incoming PNPA cadets would be provided a way to report hazing or abuse, including anonymous channels that senior PNPA officials can directly access.
“We will make sure that upon acceptance to the academy, we have outlets and a system for reporting any such behavior,” he said.
He added that formal orientation programs would be rolled out, while surveillance cameras would be installed at key areas of the PNPA to enhance monitoring and help prevent abuse.
The National Police Commission, meanwhile, ordered sweeping reforms at the training school for future officers of the PNP, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection.
