The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) has expelled 42 cadets for their failure to report a hazing incident that left at least 22 sophomores injured. This action, confirmed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, underscores the academy's stance on accountability.
According to Remulla, the cadets were present during the incident but chose to remain silent. "They were there at the barracks when it happened. The ones who kept quiet, who condoned it, who didn’t report it, all of them have been dismissed," he stated.
Details of the Incident
The hazing, which occurred on April 3, involved upperclassmen allegedly using a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid on the sophomore cadets. This brutal act resulted in multiple injuries, prompting immediate investigations.
In response to the incident, seven cadets and two technical officers have been charged under the Anti-Hazing Act, as the academy takes steps to prevent further occurrences.
Changes in PNPA Protocol
Remulla has announced that the PNPA is revising its protocols to ensure the safety of its cadets. An officer has been assigned to monitor interactions between upperclassmen and their juniors.
Furthermore, the Interior Secretary indicated that the PNPA's curriculum is under review, with plans to shift from a military-style education to a more civilian-led approach.
What will happen if they were already police officers? That’s their oath. If there is wrongdoing, they must report it. They did nothing. That’s why they were expelled.
Jonvic Remulla