THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is holding a deeper investigation after videos of hazing inside the academy surfaced in social media.
Captain Cheryl Tindog, PMA information officer, confirmed the videos circulating in social media involving their cadets were taken in 2017 and 2018.
However, she added the offenses they committed were and never will be tolerated in PMA.
Last Monday night, October 21, the academy confined the five cadets involved at the holding center for an immediate investigation utilizing the videos as tools and bases for an impartial inquiry.
The other cadet in one of the videos was already discharged last year from the academy due to Honor Code violation.
In one video inside their barracks, an upperclassman wearing a white shirt with a logo of the academy appeared to be filming while another upperclassman punched, kicked and manhandled one of the two plebes against the door. He also tried to strangle the plebe. An officer opened the door twice to check inside the room.
In another video taken, cadets were elbowed, kicked and punched by two male cadets.
The video was taken before the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio.
Police Colonel Allen Rae Co, Baguio City Police Office city director, added the case is in the hands of the academy and the cadets involved.
“We will be providing support to their investigation if asked and more so if the cadets who were the victims then will seek our help and act as complainants,” Co added.
In a statement, the PMA said the academy has time and again declares its strongest form of manifestation of serious and sincere drive to eradicate maltreatment.
“Cases have been filed, drastic actions are being undertaken, and the reforms are being instituted to rid PMA of maltreatment. We fervently hope and pray that PMA will be allowed to make good with our commitments,” the statement added.