A SECOND class cadet of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) reportedly responsible for the death of an underclass cadet last Tuesday was arrested by elements of the San Narciso Municipal Police Station in Zambales on Wednesday.
Major Jonathan Bardaje, San Narciso police chief, identified the cadet as Jomel Gloria, a town mate of the victim, cadet 4th class Jonash Bondoc.
Bardaje said Gloria admitted having punched Bondoc in the abdomen while they were at the comfort room of the Alpha Company barracks as a “welcome” greeting. Gloria and Bondoc both come from Butuan City.
Bardaje said the incident happened when other cadets have left, leaving only Gloria and Bondoc in the comfort room.
“The suspect was the last person to be with Bondoc, according to the cadets we questioned during investigation. He (Gloria) said he did not mean to kill him,” Bardaje said, adding Gloria was charged with homicide before the local Prosecutors’ Office.
Bondoc, 19, was found unconscious in one of the comfort rooms of PMMA’s Alpha Company barracks at around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. He was rushed to the San Marcelino District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police have yet to receive the official autopsy report.
The PMMA said its commandant, battalion officer, and company officer “have already tendered their courtesy resignation to give way to an impartial and speedy investigation of the matter.”
