3 PAF officers probed for hazing of PMA cadet

MANILA, Philippines - Three Philippine Air Force (PAF) lieutenants, who were tagged in a hazing video at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), are now facing possible dismissal from the service, military officials said yesterday.

PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Okol said the three officers are now facing the military’s efficiency and separation board, which would determine if they could still remain in service. 

“The decision would be rendered by the efficiency and separation board to determine if they are fit to serve. We have to establish first if they are the ones in the video,” Okol said in a phone interview yesterday.

He said the three officers may be acquitted, reprimanded or dismissed from the service depending on the gravity of their offense.

The names of the three PAF lieutenants tagged in the hazing video would be withheld pending the results of the investigation, Okol said.  

The video clip, which was aired by ABS-CBN News last Wednesday, showed a cadet in military fatigue being pushed and punched by fellow cadets.

The victim, who was leaning against a double-deck bed, also received hits in the abdomen and thighs.

Commission on Human Rights chairperson Loretta Rosales, who received the video via e-mail, has condemned the incident and cited the need to strengthen the anti-hazing law.

Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., Armed Forces public affairs chief, said the incident happened in 2007 and was only discovered in 2009. He said the incident has been brought to the attention of the military’s Provost Marshal.

Okol said the military’s Judge Advocate General found out that the two-year prescription period for the filing of complaints against the erring officers has lapsed.

The three officers, nevertheless, were made to face the efficiency and separation board, headed by the PAF vice commander.

“We expect to know the final decision within the year,” Okol said.

Burgos said the military does not condone hazing or any form of maltreatment against recruits.

“We do not tolerate any form of manhandling. We should follow all procedures related to trainings,” he said.