Cusi assumes post as PMA superintendent

October 1, 2019

Rear Admiral Allan Cusi assumed as his post as the new superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in a change of command ceremony in Baguio City on Tuesday.

The ceremony was led by AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Noel Clement.

Cusi replaced Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista who resigned with former Commandant of Cadet Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro after following the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio from alleged hazing.

In his speech, Clement said maltreatment has no place in the academy.

"Aside from our sacred honor code, it is our moral duty to protect our alma mater and the best way to do that is to do the right thing all the thing all the time. Maltreatment has never been right and will never be right in any circumstances and to any individual," he said.

"Let me emphasize that human life and human dignity are of outmost importance to the AFP. Let me further reiterate that abuse and maltreatment have no place in the academy and in the armed forces at large, and that we do not condone the use of sheer wanton violence in any way shape or form," he added.

Clement also encourage cadets to adopt a code of leadership to support the institutution's fight against hazing.

"I encourage you to also adopt a code of leadership,  that you do not maltreat nor tolerate among yourselves those who do," he said.

Clement also expressed the full support and trust of the AFP to Cusi.

"To our newly-installed PMA Superintendent, Rear Admiral Allan Ferdinand Cusi, your appointment comes at a very critical time for thr PMA and the AFP," said Clement.

"May you therefore not be daunted by the immense responsibility your appointment entails, and instead have the will, wisdom and resolve to implement reform that would uphold the integrity of the academy, and that would shield our cadets from any form of harm," he said.

Clement also expressed gratitude to Evangelista amd lauded his decision to resign to save the institution.

"I know that the decision to step down must not have been easy and may havr been extremely agonizing, But your decision and subsequent action speak well off your character, integrity, your disposition to take responsibility, and your adherence to doing what is right," he said while addressing Evangelista.

"You have done your best to raise the standard of leadership and commitment to service of the academy," Clement said.

"On behalf of the whole AFP, allow me to convey to you our gratitude for your service and everything that you have done for the academy since your assumption almost a year ago," he added.

Clement also assured parents of cadets maltreatment will not happen  under its new leadership.

"To the parents of our PMA cadets, rest assured that under the new leadership of the academy, this unfortunate incident, isolated as it may be, will not happen again," he said.

"Our new commandant of cadets as well as our new superintendent has declared war on hazing and together we will definitely win this fight," he added.

Clement said after the change of command  Evangelista and Bacarro will be temporarily placed under his office for proper disposition.

"We have not made final decisions as to what will be their disposition after the result of the investigation," he said. Robina Asido/DMS