The camp of a deceased cadet from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is now counting on the diligence of new Commission on Higher Education chairperson, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, to resolve the death of Jonash Bondoc, or at least help ensure the same is not repeated.

A fourth class cadet, Bondoc was found dead inside a restroom at the Alpha Company Barracks in San Narciso, Zambales, in the morning of 6 July 2021.

Gracelyn Gimang-Bondoc, the cadet’s mother, and PMMA alumnus Capt. Reynaldo Casareo expressed belief that Jonash did not die from a simple altercation or the fatal punches by another cadet, Jomel Gloria, but from a senseless hazing activity allegedly taking place until today within the country’s premier maritime institution.

In her administrative complaint sent to CHEd in 2023, Gracelyn claimed that then-PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal failed in his duty to investigate the possibility of hazing, among other allegations.

“At the time of former CHEd Commissioner Ronald Adamat, they sat on this administrative complaint,” Casareo said in an interview over the weekend. “But we are now confident that with Dr. Agrupis and the PMMA Board of Trustees, including Desiderio Apag, elusive justice is now within reach.”

According to Gracelyn’s complaint, which has been pending in CHEd’s Records Section since May 2023, she accused Abutal and Ensign Chuck dela Cruz of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service for allegedly covering up the true circumstances behind her son’s death.

Casareo said he believes that Agrupis and Apag are upright public officials who will not tolerate wrongdoing by their subordinates. He noted that Abutal filed his counter-affidavit on 24 June 2025, which DAILY TRIBUNE obtained, indicating the case is now moving forward.

“It (the wheel of justice) has started rolling,” Casareo said in Filipino.

In 2022, Gloria was convicted of homicide by the Zambales Regional Trial Court Branch 71 after submitting an extrajudicial confession admitting guilt.

However, the court allowed him to remain free on P60,000 bail while the case remained on appeal. It remained unclear whether the accused recanted the confession.

Gracelyn said they have secured a copy of her son’s medico-legal report, which reportedly showed hematomas, abrasions, and contusions on his head and various parts of his body.

She also filed a separate complaint for obstruction of justice against Abutal and Dela Cruz with the Office of the Ombudsman in Davao del Sur on 29 December 2023.

Counter, denial

In his 11-page sworn statement, Abutal vehemently denied the allegations, citing lack of factual basis and insufficient evidence.

As PMMA superintendent, he said he was entrusted with numerous responsibilities and could not personally guarantee at all times that no one would be harmed.

“Nevertheless, it is my duty to institute and enforce rules and regulations designed to prevent any acts that may encourage or countenance hazing, physical violence, or maltreatment; to ensure that all midshipmen/women and faculty are fully aware of these prohibitions and their corresponding sanctions; and to establish and maintain effective, functioning mechanisms for prevention, reporting, and sanctioning,” he said.

Abutal said the PMMA remains firmly committed to the absolute prohibition of hazing and continues to implement Regimental Rules and Regulations that reflect a strict, zero-tolerance stance.

“These rules are being firmly enforced during my incumbency, affirming the Academy’s unwavering commitment to maintaining discipline and eradicating any form of maltreatment,” he said.