2 ex-PMA execs face raps over hazing death

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office in the Cordilleras has filed charges against two former officials of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in connection with the fatal hazing of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio.

Former PMA superintendent Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista and ex-commandant of cadets Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro were charged with violation of Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law before the Baguio City prosecutor’s office on Tuesday.

”Instances of torture and hazing had been extensive and ongoing... and were all properly and officially reported as per standard operation of the academy, but these officers neither lifted a hand nor exerted efforts for these to be investigated and implement appropriate actions if warranted...  to prevent the propagation thereof,” NBI-Cordillera Administrative Region director Hector Eduardo Geologo said.

Evangelista and Bacarro resigned from their posts shortly after Dormitorio’s death.

Medical malpractice

The NBI also recommended the filing of charges for medical malpractice against Maj. Maria Ofelia Beloy and Capt. Florence Apple Apostol, who certified that Dormitorio died of cardiac arrest secondary to internal hemorrhage, as well as former PMA Hospital commander Col. Cesar Candelaria.  

The three doctors had been earlier charged with dereliction of duty under Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code.

The NBI said the three could also be charged with violation of a provision in RA 11053, which penalizes individuals who cover up hazing activities. 

Jose Adrian Bonifacio, counsel for the Dormitorio family, said his clients supports the decision of the NBI.

 The family of Dormitorio filed murder and violation of RA 11053 charges against Cadets 3rd Class Shalimar Imperial, Felix Lumbag Jr., John Vincent Manalo, Julius Carlo Tadena and Ray David John Volante; C2C Christian Zacarias, and C1C Axl Rey Sanopao.

Senior tactical officers Maj. Rex Bolo and Capt. Jeffrey Batistiana, who were relieved over the incident, were charged as accomplices.

 Dormitorio died on Sept. 18, due to injuries he suffered.

‘Drastic move’

Meanwhile, Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Noel Clement rejected a proposal to suspend the recruitment of cadets at the PMA amid the hazing controversy.

“If we stop the recruitment at PMA, our... projections and replacement for those who retired and... casualties will be affected,” Clement said.

He said the proposal is a “very drastic move.”

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin sought the suspension of the recruitment for at least one year, citing reports that more cases of maltreatment are being investigated.

“(Hazing) is not authorized and allowed... Violations are being addressed and appropriate punishments are being undertaken,” Clement said.