22 PNPA cadets hurt in hazing

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-two cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) have suffered injuries during an alleged hazing conducted by their three upperclassmen.

The complainants alleged that the suspects poured a mixture of muriatic acid and drain cleaning chemical in different parts of their bodies, causing burns on their skin.

Authorities condemned the incident, which reportedly occurred before dawn on April 3 at the PNPA’s Barracks 2 in Silang, Cavite.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. yesterday ordered an internal cleansing of the country’s premier training institution for future police officers.

“Let me be clear that the PNP has zero tolerance for hazing. Despite our warnings, some continued to ignore the law,” Nartatez said in a statement.

The complainants said the pouring of the mixture was a punishment because one of their classmates has expressed intention to quit the academy.

The suspects were arrested by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). They will be charged for violating Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, and may be expelled from the academy.

The cadets were treated for burns in the back, extremities and private parts.

Nartatez ordered the relief of the tactical officer on-duty for neglect.

Seven others are being investigated for possible involvement in the hazing.

Nartatez directed PNPA chief  Maj. Gen. Andre Dizon to review the tactical officer supervision, saying he wants accountability in every level of command in the academy.

“If the hazing happened under a tactical officer’s watch, he will be investigated for neglect of duty,” he said.

Dizon said the PNPA, in coordination with the CIDG, is initiating an administrative proceeding against the suspects.

The National Police Commission has formed a task force to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.

The Napolcom vowed to make liable all cadets who directly and indirectly participated in the hazing.

“We will get to the bottom of it. Hazing has no place at the police academy,” Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said.

Despite the incident, Nartatez assured parents of cadets that their children are safe in the academy.