Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. maintained on Thursday that the agency’s academy was undergoing ‘aggressive reforms’ amid a new alleged hazing case that surfaced among its cadets.
‘We will not allow favoritism or any cover-up. Anyone found responsible, regardless of their year level, will face the full force of the law,’ Nartatez stressed in a statement.
‘Aggressive policy reforms are ongoing at the PNPA, and this new case was a product of early interventions through regular monitoring and detection of hazing incidents,’ he maintained.
On Wednesday, newly appointed PNPA director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan bared that they had discovered the new case after finding bruises on two cadets’ feet during a regular physical inspection last Saturday.
The victims pointed to two of their upperclassmen as the culprits, prompting the academy to place them under restrictive custody while authorities investigate.
Neither Nartatez nor Maranan immediately provided further details on the new incident, but the agency assured that the two victims will receive medical, legal, and psychological support.
The new case came less than three weeks after three sophomore cadets allegedly smeared a mix of drain cleaner and muriatic acid on at least 22 freshmen at their barracks in Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, last April 3.
The three perpetrators, as well as four other cadets and two police officials, have been charged with violating Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act, in connection with the incident.
Further, nine PNPA officials were relieved of their posts to allow the investigation, including then-director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon.
‘Our goal is a total cultural shift. We are institutionalizing safeguards so that brotherhood is defined by discipline and respect, not by violence,’ Nartatez said.