PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa yesterday vowed to dismiss from the PNP Academy cadets involved in the hazing or maltreatment of a cadet who is still recuperating at a hospital.
“We will get to the bottom of this,” Gamboa said, referring to the hazing of Cadet Fourth Class John Desiderio, who was hospitalized on October 29 after he complained of stomach pain due to hazing.
Desiderio was initially rushed to the PNPA dispensary, then to the PNP General Hospital. He was later transferred to the East Avenue Medical Center.
“This happened and indeed it is maltreatment. We will see to it that these cadets who are involved will be dismissed from the PNPA,” said Gamboa.
Officials earlier said they are still in the process of identifying the perpetrators.
The hazing incident occurred a month after the PNP assumed supervision of the PNPA from the Philippine Public Safety College, a bureau under the Department of Interior and Local Government.
“Let’s give the PNP a chance. We are still on transition,” Gamboa said.
“As a matter of fact, the turnover is not yet complete but nevertheless we do not escape from that responsibility. If it’s a bad start, then it starts that way but we will do our best to prevent a repeat of this,” he added.