MILITARY doctors have recommended the discharge or separation of a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet who fell victim to hazing or maltreatment in September last year.
PMA spokesman Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo said the first-year cadet was recommended by the AFP Medical Board for discharge due to an injury that is not related to the maltreatment incident.
“The victim is currently on indefinite leave while awaiting discharge orders based on AFP Medical Board findings unrelated to the injuries sustained,” said Saludo.
Saludo said the cadet has been on leave since June 1, pending the approval of his discharge from the academy by the military leadership.
“The latest information that I got is that he is on indefinite leave effective June 1 while waiting for the issuance of the discharge orders,” said Saludo.
The cadet was hospitalized in September last year due to injuries he sustained during a hazing incident.
His two classmates were found guilty of inflicting harm on him and were meted out a one-year suspension.
A third-year cadet was held responsible for command responsibility and given a penalty of 60 demerits, 120 touring hours and 120 days of confinement.
Another upperclassman of the victim was also investigated but was later exonerated.
Saludo said the victim was released from the hospital last December and returned to training and studies soon after.
“Sometime in March, he returned to the hospital, but this is unrelated to the incident (last September),” said Saludo.
He declined to elaborate on the latest injury and the injury that the cadet sustained during his maltreatment last September, noting the restrictions under the Data Privacy Act.
“The information that was given to me is that he had an injury…That (latest injury) was the reason the AFP Medical Board recommended his discharge,” said Saludo.
The hazing came to the attention of the public a few days ago after the cadet filed charges against several PMA cadets before the Baguio City police. The victim reportedly experienced “physical abuse and humiliation” from September 2 to 29 last year.
“We respect the decision of the cadet’s family should they choose to pursue legal remedies in civilian courts,” said Saludo.
“While appropriate disciplinary actions have already been imposed in accordance with CCAFP (Cadet Corps, AFP) regulations, the victim retains the right to pursue any legal remedies in civilian courts should he choose to do so,” said Saludo.
Saludo said the incident is “isolated and (a) rare occurrence.”
“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,” said Saludo.
He said the PMA maintains a “strict zero-tolerance policy on maltreatment.”
“Such acts have no place in our institution, and we remain resolute in our commitment to safeguarding the well-being and holistic development of our cadets,” added Saludo.
