Cadets in hazing death of Kagay-anon plebe to face raps

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Members of the Army's 4th Infantry Division carry the casket of Kagay-anon cadet Darwin Dormitorio who died of hazing in the Philippine Military Academy. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)
CAGAYAN DE ORO. Members of the Army's 4th Infantry Division carry the casket of Kagay-anon cadet Darwin Dormitorio who died of hazing in the Philippine Military Academy. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)



THE family of Kagay-anon plebe Darwin Dormitorio is set to file criminal charges against the cadets who beat him to death in another case of hazing at the prestigious Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Michelle Usman, Dormitorio's aunt, said they will file a case to give justice to his nephew's death.

"We are planning to file a case. Dili nato pwede mapalampas ang mga butang. Syempre, grabe ang naagian ni Darwin, he deserves justice, para dili napud mahitabo sa uban," Usman said.

Darwin's remains are currently at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes for viewing. He arrived in the city last Saturday, September 21, from Baguio City.

Usman described Darwin as an ideal son, who is excellent in school and one "who really wants to serve the country."

"Mao ng dili madawat sa family kay he does not deserve this kind of treatment. Pagsulod sa PMA, he has full of dreams, to be one of our leaders. So we supported him. He wants to be a soldier, he wants to serve the country," she said.

"They killed a potential leader of the country," she added.

Omaradji Pizzaro, Kalilangan, Bukidnon mayor, hit the "sadistic and very cruel upperclassmen" who are suspects of Darwin's death.

Pizzaro said he hopes the incident will start the reforms and eradicate the culture of violence inside the PMA.

"This should end the cruelty, the sadistic, barbaric na ginagawa diyan sa loob mismo sa PMA. We want to have justice. The anti-hazing law has long been implemented, but I don't think it is fully implemented. Was it fully implemented? If it is, then wala unta ni nahitabo," he said.

"Alam naman natin yung hazing, hanggang suntukan lang, wag nang gumamit ng bat. Because all these, we are creating leaders. Magiging leader na cruel din yan," he said.

Pizzaro said it is sad to note that cadets who are willing to serve the country died not because of defending the country, but while still training.

Pizzaro was with the family when Darwin's body arrived in Cagayan de Oro. The Dormitorio family hails from Kalilangan town.

Darwin's father, a retired military colonel, was also a former councilor of the municipality.

Darwin will be laid to rest on Wednesday, September 25.

Cagayan de Oro Second District Representative Rufus Rodriguez already filed a resolution last September 20 for the House investigation on Darwin's death.

Rodriguez said the investigation shall review the Anti-Hazing Law and classify hazing as a heinous crime.

Although the punishment for hazing under the law is already life imprisonment, Rodriguez said classifying hazing as a heinous crime will mean that the suspects cannot avail the Good Conduct Time Allowance law and really serve the full sentence.

Rodriguez said the probe will start next week, and will invite PMA officials and Darwin's parents.

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