00:00Yet another case of hazing at the Philippine Military Academy has led to a cadet being hospitalized for eight months.
00:08PMA Public Affairs Head Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo says on Monday, July 7, a 22-year-old 4th class or freshman cadet was harmed inside the Baguio City campus last September.
00:19Saludo did not name the victim.
00:20Under the guise of training, the maltreatment happened from September 2 to 29 last year.
00:25The cadet said he was physically assaulted, forced to perform extreme physical exercises, and subjected to what he called animalistic tripping by his upperclassmen and batchmates.
00:35The abuse was so grueling, it made him nearly lose consciousness and even collapse.
00:39He was first brought to the Armed Forces Hospital in Quezon City, then later transferred to the PMA Station Hospital back in the campus.
00:46He stayed there until June 30 this year.
00:49The cadet filed a blotter with the Baguio City Police on July 2.
00:52Saludo says the PMA conducted a thorough and impartial investigation, leading to three cadets being punished.
00:58The police, meanwhile, identified four suspects.
01:01The case has been referred to a prosecutor for possible criminal charges.
01:05The PMA has a long history of hazing that has led to serious injuries or even death.
01:10The most recent was 20-year-old Darwin Dormitorio, who died from hazing injuries in September 2019.
01:16Three of Dormitorio's killers were convicted in 2023.
01:19Three of Dormitorio is a serial serial killer.