Military yet to receive arrest warrant against six allegedly involved in cadet’s death

July 8, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Phillipines (AFP) have not yet received a copy of the warrant of arrest issued by a Baguio City Court against three  Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets and three PMA doctors allegedly involved in the hazing death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio.

"We are yet to receive a copy of that warrant of arrest issued by the RTC Branch in Baguio," Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman said on Wednesday.

Arevalo said once they receive a copy, the judge advocate general will have to study the warrant of arrest against the three former cadets before making a recommendation on their disposition.

"The AFP’s Judge Advocate General will attend to the matter and give appropriate recommendation to the AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos, Jr. as to the disposition of the named cadets," he said.

"We confirm that six PMA cadets under GHQ (general headquarters) custody have been arraigned and are now facing trial before a General Court Martial for violation of Article of War 97 Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline," he added.

However, Arevalo reiterates the AFP's commitment and willingness to cooperate and assist in the dispensation of justice".

"We once more commit to the court that we will cooperate and, when needed, assist in the swift dispensation of justice. We owe it to the people--especially to the parents of the late Cadet Darwin Dormitorio—and the community of PMA Alumni," he said.

Aside  Cadet Third Class Shalimar Imperial Jr., Felix Lumbag Jr., and Julius Carlo Tadena, the court also ordered the arrest of three officials of PMA hospital  identified as  Capt. Flor Apple Apostol, Maj. Maria Ofelia Beloy and Lt. Col. Ceasar Candelaria.

Arevalo said since the three PMA officials are under the jurisdiction of the academy the decision on their disposition  will depend to the PMA.

"As to the officers named in such court process, the Philippine Military Academy where they are assigned will take appropriate action," he said.

"They (PMA) have their own judge advocate general, we called it the staff judge advocate of PMA to determine, so the best way to do is to ask PMA on what is their disposition on this," he added. Robina Asido/DMS