PMA punishes cadets accused of maltreatment
'The involved cadets were given appropriate punishment depending on the degree of their participation. PMA has strict zero tolerance on maltreatment and hazing — no place in the institution,' said PMA spokesperson, Lt. Jesse Saludo.
The complainant has sought the help of police and said he was beaten multiple times in 2024, allegedly inside the barracks in most instances.
The last incident, which allegedly occurred on September 29, 2024 left him hospitalized at the V. Luna Medical Center for several days.
'Binubugbog daw siya especially kapag nasa loob ng barracks. Nung September 29, hindi na niya nakayanan kaya siya nag-report. Na-ospital siya, na-transfer siya sa V. Luna, where he was confined there for several days,' PMAJ. Marcy Marron, spokesperson for the Baguio City Police, said.
On June 30, 2025, the victim was discharged officially from the PMA due to medical reasons.
NOT HAZING?
The PMA conducted its own investigation and confirmed that the four cadets, indeed, hurt the complainant. However, the academy clarified that what happened could not be considered hazing under Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
'Injuries were caused by the classmates venting their frustration on their squadmate because they believed the performance of their squadmate is affecting their squad. The incident does not fall under the legal definition of hazing,' Lt. Jesse Saludo, PMA spokesperson, said.
"It falls on 'conduct unbecoming' because they are inflicting physical farm to a fellow soldier," Saludo told Marisol Abdurahman on a 24 Oras report on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The PMA said it respects the family's decision to pursue legal charges and recognizes the victim's right to take the case to civilian court.
'The victim still retains his right to file a case in civilian court should he choose to do so,' Saludo said.
The complaint is now with the Baguio Prosecutor's Office, where authorities are reviewing whether the case merits the issuance of arrest warrants.
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