Four cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy were charged with violation of the anti-hazing law over their alleged involvement in the maltreatment of one of their underclassmen, police confirmed yesterday.
The victim, 19-year-old Cadet Fourth Class John Rafael Desiderio, filed the charge before Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Emmanuel Rivera at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Imus City, Cavite, the other day.
Cadets Third Class Jovan Sernat, Arron Dahryl Villanueva, and Paul Birung and Cadet Second Class Clarence Cabucos were charged with violation of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, according to Police Col. Marlon Santos, Cavite police chief.
Police Lt. Col. Byron Allatog, PNPA spokesperson, said the cadets have placed in isolation pending the hearing of their cases. Allatog added that another cadet earlier tagged in the incident has been cleared of any liability.
Desiderio was taken to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame in Quezon City on Oct. 29 after he complained of stomach pains. He was later transferred to the East Avenue Medical Center, also in Quezon City.
Allatog said the investigation is ongoing and measures have been taken to prevent a repeat of the incident.
The incident happened in the wake of another hazing at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City which led to the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio in September and the resignation of the school’s top two officers. (Martin A. Sadongdong)
