DILG orders police not to whitewash PMA hazing probe

September 23, 2019

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano on Monday said he ordered the Philippine National Police ( PNP) to not whitewash the hazing incident at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

In an ambush interview with reporters, Ano said he gave instruction to the Philippine National Police- Cordillera, especially the Baguio City Police Office Director Police Colonel Allen Rae Co to not cover up the incident.

“I give instruction to the PNP Cordillera especially to Colonel Co, the one in charge of the investigation, that no cover up and that everybody are liable criminally and administratively should be charged and given appropriate disciplinary action,” he said.

“So I believe there will be no whitewash there,” Ano added.

After the hazing incident in PMA last week which resulted to the death of cadet Darwin Dormitorio, Ano said there will be a total revision and improvement in PMA’s system.

He said it could be possible that suspects involved had a grudge on Dormitorio that’s why the incident of maltreatment happened several times.

“It’s part of the investigation why they are mad at him,” he said.

The DILG chief said he went to PMA with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last Saturday to talk with the persons involved in the incident.

Ano said the morale of the fourth class cadets was fine after their discussion with them.

“We talked to them. At first we saw fear and they are apprehensive but after talking to them and told them our actions, they feel good,” he said.

He said part of their investigation is to look at the lapses of the PMA authorities as well as Dormitorio’s cadet officer corps.  Ella Dionisio/DMS