Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

2 more PNPA cadets file sexual abuse complaints against police officer

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Two more cadets have filed complaints of sexual abuse and harassment against a tactical officer at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), officials told ABS-CBN News on Thursday.</p><p>The 35-year-old police major, a married officer, was earlier detained after a 23-year-old male cadet filed a complaint for acts of lasciviousness.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/7/cop-arrested-over-alleged-sexual-harassment-of-male-pnpa-cadet-1925">Cop arrested over alleged sexual harassment of male PNPA cadet</a></div><p>PNPA Director Brigadier General Andre Dizon said the officer brought to his quarters two other cadets — both in their early 20s — one facing dismissal due to honor violations and the other on “turn back” status because of academic problems. The incident occurred in July.</p><p>“Ang modus operandi ng suspect is ino-offeran niya ng tulong ‘yong may mga kaso na kadete. So, doon niya nakukuha ang loob until such time na nagagawa niya ‘yong pangaabuso,” Dizon said.</p><p>(The suspect’s modus operandi is offering help to cadets with cases. That’s how he gains their trust until he’s able to commit the abuse.)</p><p>In their complaint before the National Police Commission (Napolcom), the cadets said they were ordered to undress under the pretext of a “body check” and a “board test,” during which the officer allegedly committed acts of sexual abuse and harassment.</p><p>Napolcom has filed an administrative complaint against the suspect.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/8/22/pnpa-tactical-officer-faces-formal-charges-of-grave-misconduct-sexual-assault-1600">PNPA tactical officer faces formal charges of grave misconduct, sexual assault</a></div><p>The Silang Municipal Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the academy, said the suspect has posted bail and was subsequently released.</p><p>“Ongoing po ‘yong trial niya before the Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Silang and Amadeo and na kay judge na po ‘yong kaso niyan. And to date, we have filed three cases of acts of lasciviousness against the suspect,” Silang police chief Lt. Col. Louie Gonzaga in a telephone interview.</p><p>(His trial before the Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Silang and Amadeo is ongoing and is now under the judge’s consideration. So far, we have filed three cases of acts of lasciviousness against the suspect.)</p><p>A separate and graver rape case, a criminal offense punishable by reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years of imprisonment, is being prepared against the police officer.</p><div> </div><div><strong>‘ISOLATED’</strong></div><p>Dizon said the incidents were isolated and that the academy does not condone such behavior.</p><p>“Ito po ay isa lang ang suspect. Kumbaga, ngayon lang ito nangyari sa academy so maituturing natin na isolated case ito dahil iisa lang naman ang suspect, hindi naman iba-iba,” he said.</p><p>(Theres only one suspect. This is the first time something like this happened in the academy, so we consider it an isolated case since it involves only one person.)</p><p>The PNPA chief maintained that sexual abuse is not part of the academy’s culture and that preventive measures have been implemented to protect cadets.</p><p>“Masasabi nating ligtas [ang PNPA] kasi nandiyan po ang mga tactical officers, nandiyan ang mga professors. We are looking after the welfare of our students,” Dizon said.</p><p>(We can say that PNPA is safe because tactical officers and professors are present. We are looking after the welfare of our students.)</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/15/alamin-paano-makapasok-sa-philippine-national-police-academy-1330">Alamin: Paano makapasok sa Philippine National Police Academy?</a></div><p>ABS-CBN News sought the side of the police officer involved, but he declined to comment, noting he already has a lawyer handling his case.</p>

<p>Two more cadets have filed complaints of sexual abuse and harassment against a tactical officer at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), officials told ABS-CBN News on Thursday.</p>

Two more cadets have filed complaints of sexual abuse and harassment against a tactical officer at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), officials told ABS-CBN News on Thursday.