PNP Academy chief sacked over oral sex scandal

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) director Chief Superintendent Joseph Adnol was relieved from his post yesterday after two freshmen accused three cadets of forcing them to perform oral sex as a form of punishment.

Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año ordered Adnol’s relief for command responsibility and to pave the way for an impartial investigation on the incident, the latest scandal to rock the PNPA.

Año directed Ricardo de Leon, president of the Philippine Public Safety College, to conduct a parallel probe and carry out measures to prevent a similar incident from happening again. The PPSC supervises the PNPA.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating the cadets for their criminal liability.

“We should not tolerate such acts in our ranks. The PPSC should act with dispatch to ensure that the true ideals, values and discipline in the academy will be upheld at all times,” Año said.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde recommended Chief Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo, head of the Counter-Intelligence Task Force, as Adnol’s replacement.

Malayo is also the executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development.  

The alleged sexual abuse occurred at the back of the PNPA barracks on Oct. 6.

Reports said a senior cadet ordered two plebes to perform oral sex as punishment for unspecified violations.

Two other cadets watched while the freshmen performed the sexual act.

“We should not allow this so-called tradition or culture of violence to continue within the hallowed halls of the PNPA. It is contrary to the ideals of the academy as the premier institution that produces future police, fire and jail officers,” Año said.

The three cadets are undergoing a pre-charge investigation. A summary hearing will be conducted if PNPA investigators find probable cause to indict them for grave offense and hazing.

If proven guilty, the cadets will be dismissed from the PNPA.

Adnol, in a statement to reporters, said he expected his relief based on the policy of command responsibility.

It was also during Adnol’s watch when nine cadets were beaten by six upperclassmen after their graduating rites last March.