Court junks case vs PNPA officials

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Trial Court has dismissed for lack of jurisdiction the civil case for mandamus and damages filed by the three ex-cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy against the school officials.

RTC Branch 12 Judge Estela Alma Singco said that the respondents of the case were all stationed outside of her territorial jurisdiction.  

 â€œThe instant petition seeks to control the actions of officers’ stationed at the PNPA, Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda, Silang, Cavite which is outside the territorial jurisdiction of this court. Thus, pursuant to Section 4, Rule 65 of the Rules of Court, this court does not have jurisdiction over the action,” Singco’s  order reads.

Venus Acedillo, Christopher Ruiz, Jr., and Kerbee Torrefiel, all from Cebu earlier asked the court to order the PNPA officials to reinstate them in the training and to nullify their resignation letters.

In their complaint, they alleged that they have been forcibly dropped out of the training camp by the respondents without valid reasons.

“Had it not that they were forcibly driven out from the camp, petitioners would not get out there from, an act which totally contradicted the allegation of loss of interest and/or lack of determination in proceeding with the cadetship program,” the complaint reads.

Named respondents were PNPA director, Chief Superintendent Noel Constantino, Superintendent Hordan Pacatiw, officer-in-charge of the releasing of the PNPA cadets, and a certain cadet 2nd class Bacay, all assigned at the PNPA, Camp Gen. Mariano N. Castaneda in Silang Cavite.

The petitioners passed the admission test of the PNPA and participated in the oathtaking ceremony. Thereafter, they were ordered to perform series of exercises to test their endurance.

However, petitioners said they were not able to finish their run due to sudden dehydration, exhaustion and fatigue. Petitioners were subjected to a medical check-up and were later forced to sign the resignation letter. To their surprise, petitioners added that they received general order stating that they voluntarily resigned from the cadetship program.

“General orders contained lies to the effect that it stated that petitioners voluntarily tendered their resignation due to loss of interest and lack of determination when in truth and in fact, petitioners were forced to write their names and affixed their signatures thereon,” the complaints claimed.

The petitioners said that they have no intention of resigning from the cadetship program and even filed a letter of withdrawal and reconsideration but received no response.  (FREEMAN)