PNP chief backs academy's decision

MANILA - The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) has recommended the dismissal of 9 cadets who were involved in the mauling of their upperclassmen after their graduation rites last March 21 in Camp Castañeda, Silang, Cavite.

Investigation showed that 6 members of the PNP Maragtas Class of 2018 had just graduated and were on their way to their quarters when more than 20 underclassmen attacked them.

They were immediately charged with criminal and administrative cases.

• 9 PNPA cadets face charges for mauling incident

According to PNPA Director Chief Supt. Joseph Adnol, the 9 cadets were found guilty of mauling their upperclassmen based on the testimonies of the victims and witnesses.

“Nakita ng witnesses, violation of law ang physical injury 'yon, maltreatment. Grave offense ang na-commit,” Adnol said.

(Witnesses saw it. It was a violation of law, physical injury and maltreatment. They committed a grave offense.)

A total of 9 cadets were recommended for dismissal. Two were suspended while two others were exonerated.

Thirty-one others were given demerits, touring and confinement for watching the mauling incident and not doing anything to stop it.

The PNPA said the underclassmen wanted revenge on their seniors for harsh punishments they experienced under them.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Tuesday he supports the PNPA's recommendation.

Albayalde stressed that mauling is never right and was never a tradition at the PNPA.

"We support their decision kung talagang kailangan dismiss 'yung 9 na kadete na 'yun dahil hindi naman talaga tama para ikaw ay mambugbog," he told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.

(We support their decision if it is really necessary to dismiss the 9 cadets since it is never right to beat up anyone.)

Albayalde stressed that hazing is an unacceptable practice.

"May nagsasabi na hazing kasi it is a cherished tradition pero hindi ito para makapanakit ng kapwa kadete," he said.

(Some say that hazing is a cherished tradition but it should not be done to hurt a fellow cadet.)