PR
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be completely transparent, and ‘not withhold information or whitewash’ the investigation of the recent hazing incident in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) that led to the death of a cadet.
“Justice must be served. This is not the time for us to cover up each other’s dirt. Whoever is the perpetrator must answer for his actions. I ordered the PNP to do a thorough investigation and I trust that they will deliver,” Año says.
Año also respects the decision of PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evagelista today to resign and relinquish his post following the death of Dormitorio.
“As a former military officer, I respect him for resigning. Probably for him it is the most honorable thing to do. With this, the public is assured that he cannot influence the investigation of the case in any manner,” he ends.
“The entire nation is watching us. So, let’s do the investigation properly. We owe it to the family of the victim,” said the DILG Chief who is also a PMA alumni.
Together with Defense Secretary Delfine Lorenzana, Año personally met with the suspects and the PNP authorities who are investigating the case. “Cases like this are easily misconstrued by the public but I assure them that the investigation will be thorough and transparent.”
He directed Baguio City Police Station Chief P/Colonel Allan Rae Co: “Lahat ng kasangkot ay kailangang managot. All parties that are criminally and administratively liable should be charged.”
“I will personally see to it that no whitewashing and cover up will happen kaya personal kong kinausap si P/Col Co ng PNP Baguio para tiyakin na magiging totoo at patas ang PNP sa imbestigasyon sa kasong ito,” he explains.
Last Wednesday, PMA cadet Darwin Dormitorio, 20, complained of stomach pain and eventually died due to blunt forced trauma consistent to injuries incurred in hazing.
“The DILG extends its condolences to the bereaved family members. We can only promise to work tirelessly, together with the PNP, to ensure justice for the family of Cadet Dormitorio,” Año says.
The DILG Chief also said that changes must be instituted in the PMA’s system. He says that this case and past incidences of the same nature require immediate improvement in the Academy’s system.
“Unfortunately, it has been a recurring theme. We should do something about it. Kailangan may gawin tayong pagbabago para hindi na ulit mangyari ang ganitong trahedya sa loob ng PMA,” he says.
He said that part of the investigation is to look for lapses in the PMA leadership as well as in the cadet officer corps
