The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) confirmed that three cadets found guilty of maltreating a fellow squad member have been given disciplinary sanctions appropriate to their actions.

The victim, identified as Cadet 4th Class Mauee Bumagat Maraggun, alleged that his classmates physically harmed him and forced him to perform strenuous exercises until he collapsed. He was first hospitalized at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City before being transferred to the PMA Hospital Station. Maraggun, 22, was discharged on 30 June 2025.

According to Maraggun’s report filed with the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), the incidents occurred between 2 and 29 September 2024 inside the PMA barracks. PMA Public Affairs Office Chief Jesse Saludo clarified that the incident does not fall under the Anti-Hazing Law as it was not related to an initiation and involved only his classmates.

Saludo said the cadets reportedly resented Maraggun for what they believed was poor performance that affected the entire squad. Two of the classmates involved were suspended, while their squad leader received the maximum disciplinary penalty for failing to stop the abuse.

An upperclass cadet who was initially implicated was later cleared following a PMA investigation that found no evidence of involvement.

Saludo added that PMA respects the decision of Maraggun and his family to pursue legal action against the cadets responsible.

According to BCPO Public Information Officer Police Major Marcy Martin, Maraggun reported the incident at BCPO Station 4 on 2 July 2025. The same day, the case was referred to the Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office.