Two military officers relieved after death of PMA cadet

September 23, 2019

Two military officers were relieved from their post following the death of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio.

Major Reynan Afan, PMA spokesman, said one has a rank of major while the other is a captain.

“The senior tactical officer and the (company) tactical officer of Cadet Fourth Cass Dormitorio, they are both relieved,” said Afan. 

Afan said the two military officers were relieved to give way for the conduct for an impartial investigation.

“The first reason is really for us to have an impartial investigation since they are related to the case, especially the tactical officer... The tactical officer is basically the father of the company so the tactical or ground level coordination on the everyday life and individual situation of the student is his direct responsibility to monitor,” he said.

In a joint statement Monday , the PMA and the Baguio City Police Office said  based on ongoing investigation “three cadets can already be classified as suspects” while two other cadets are identified as new persons of interest” and “nine cadets are considered as witnesses.”

Afan said the suspected cadets are upperclassmen of the victim.

The statement said “those who will be found guilty of the act of maltreatment shall be charged with the violation of the Anti-Hazing law.”

“Details are also being collated on the status of Cadet Dormitorio days and weeks before the unfortunate incident. Other officers and personnel are currently being subjected to questioning. PMA will continue to finalize other reports and act on other findings,” it added

“We keenly wait for the other result of the different investigations. It is in PMA and everyone’s interest for the truth to be exposed for all persons responsible to be identified and for a solid case to be established,” it noted

It also stated that ongoing inquiries “disclose the urgent need to review the policies, procedures and system on the healthcare management of the cadets.” Robina Asido/DMS