PMA disciplines cadets in 2024 incident, denies hazing

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Monday confirmed that disciplinary actions have been taken following an investigation into an alleged maltreatment incident involving four cadets in September 2024.

PMA public information office chief Lieutenant Jesse Nestor Saludo clarified that the case was not classified as a "hazing incident,  but was still treated seriously in accordance with academy regulations.

“The PMA emphasizes that this incident is an isolated and rare occurrence,” he told the DAILY TRIBUNE in a Viber message. 

According to Saludo, two first-year cadets were found guilty of inflicting physical harm on a fellow classmate. Both were penalized with a one-year suspension from training under Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) regulations.

A third-year cadet, who served as the squad leader, was held accountable under the principle of command responsibility for failing to prevent the incident. He was sanctioned with 60 demerits, 120 touring hours, and 120 days of confinement.

Another upperclass cadet was cleared of involvement after the investigation found no evidence linking him to the alleged offense.

“His involvement in the alleged offense was not proven, hence, he was exonerated from the case,” Saludo further said. 

Meanwhile, the victim, a first-year cadet, is currently on indefinite leave and is set to be discharged from training due to medical reasons unrelated to the incident, based on a review conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Board.

Saludo emphasized that the case was addressed in full compliance with due process under AFP and CCAFP guidelines.

He then reiterated the Academy’s zero-tolerance policy on maltreatment and affirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and development of its cadets.

“Since 2018, the Academy has implemented comprehensive reforms in its training system, policies, and supervision mechanisms to prevent maltreatment and to foster a culture of respect, discipline, and professionalism among cadets,” Saludo stressed. 

In a separate message to the DAILY TRIBUNE, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military organization “does not tolerate any form of abuse, hazing, or maltreatment within its ranks and training institutions.” 

Padilla stressed the AFP fully supports the enforcement of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 and “remains committed to upholding the rights, welfare, and dignity of every cadet and personnel under our care.”

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