4 PMA cadets face criminal raps over hazing

According to a report from the Baguio City police, the suspects allegedly physically harmed 4th class cadet Mauee Bumagat Maraggun, forcing him to perform strenuous exercises until he collapsed.

Maraggun was initially hospitalized at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City before his return to the PMA Hospital Station at Fort del Pilar.  He was discharged from the hospital on June 30.

The victim claimed the alleged maltreatment occurred for almost a month – from Sept. 2 to Sept. 29, 2024 – within the PMA barracks.

Maraggun told police that his torment occurred whenever the suspects found an opportunity.

The cadet is reportedly in the process of preparing the documents in his formal criminal complaint against his upperclassmen.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for its part, said they will follow the investigation and will not allow such alleged acts to go unpunished if proven true.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military “does not tolerate any form of abuse, hazing or maltreatment within its ranks and training institutions.”

“We fully support the enforcement of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 and remain committed to upholding the rights, welfare and dignity of every cadet and personnel under our care,” she said.

“Should the investigation establish accountability, the AFP will not hesitate to support the appropriate legal and administrative measures,” Padilla added.

Punishment

Although a formal investigation has yet to occur, the PMA has already taken action on the cadets allegedly involved.

PMA spokesman Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo confirmed appropriate punishments have been meted out against three cadets who were allegedly involved in the hazing.

Maraggun’s squad leader was meted 60 demerits, 210 touring hours and 210 confinement days in his room, though he can still attend class, eat at the mess hall and perform official duties such as at parades and other tasks, only that his privileges were waived.

“This is the maximum punishment given to a class 1 offense,” Saludo explained.

Two other cadets were suspended for a year for “inflicting physical injuries to a classmate.”

A fourth cadet was found not guilty of any offense.

“We reiterate that such incidents are not tolerated and are not part of those values being taught to the cadets at PMA,” Saludo said. — Artemio Dumlao,  Michael Punongbayan