ADMINISTRATIVE cases were also filed to the seven cadets involved in the hazing and eventual death of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio.
Newly-installed PMA public information officer Captain Cheryl Tindog confirmed the filing of administrative charges against the seven suspects.
“Since the accused cadets are members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, they are covered by the regulations of the military justice system, hence the administrative case,” Tindog said.
Tindog explained composition of the general court martial are still being determined.
According to PMA laws, general court martial have the power to try any person subject to military law for any crime or offense made punishable by these articles and any other person who by law of war is subject to trial by military tribunal.
On October 8, Dexter, brother of Darwin filed criminal complaints against seven suspects in the death of his younger brother.
“But since the accused are members of the AFP, they are covered by the regulations of the military justice system, hence the administrative case,” Tindog added.
Accused are Cadets Third Class Shalimar Imperial, Felix Lumbag Jr., John Vincent Manalo, Julius Carlo Tadena, Rey David John Volante, Cadet Second Class Christian Zacarias, and Cadet First Class Axl Ret Sanopao for violating the anti-hazing law, of torture, and of murder.
Dormitorio also tagged Darwin’s tactical officers as accomplices in the three cases identified as Major Rex Bolo and Captain Jeffrey Batistana while dereliction of duty was lodged against three doctors from the PMA Station Hospital namely Colonel Cesar Almar Candelaria, the commanding officer of the Philippine Military Station Hospital, Captain Flor Apple Apostol and Major Ofelia Beloy.
“Rest assured PMA will always support the judicial processes so that justice may be served and it will continue to be an institution committed to character development and military professionalism,” she added.