A DEEPER probe on the death of a Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) cadet was ordered by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar to look into probable violation of the Anti-Hazing Law.
According to the report of PNPA Director PMGen. Rhoderick Armamento, Cadet 3rd Class George Carl Magsayo’s body was found in a room inside their dormitory in the evening of September 23.
The other cadets responded quickly by giving first aid and alerti their officers who immediately called for an ambulance from the Academy Health Service. Upon arrival at the Qualimed Hospital, the cadet was declared dead by the attending physician.
Based on the initial result of the investigation, Cadet 3rd Class Magsayo’s upperclassman, identified as Cadet 2nd Class Steven Ceasar Maingat, punched his body before the former collapsed.
“Nasa kustodiya na ng Silang Municipal Police Station ang kadeteng nanakit kay Cadet 3rd Class George Carl Magsayo at timitiyak ko na haharapin niya ang mga kaukulang kasong nakatakdang isampa laban sa kanya batay sa magiging resulta ng imbestigasyon,” PGen Eleazar mentioned.
Eleazar also added that there had been reported deaths in the PNPA before, and many had been penalized and kicked out of the academy by inflicting physical violence on other cadets. “It is saddening that these incidents happen because there are still cadets who do not understand the policies and laws especially in the Anti-Hazing Law,” PGen. Eleazar said.
Investigators are now preparing charges against Cadet 2nd Class Maingat and is expected to receive the file on Monday, September 27.
PMGen. Armamento emphasized that there will be a thorough examination to shed light on the truth behind Magsayo’s death.
“We are assuring the public that the Philippine National Police Academy maintains its strict ‘No To Hazing Policy’ and that the highest values of respect for human life and rights is inculcated among our cadets,” PMGen. Armamento said.
PGen Eleazar stressed to the cadets that they all need to obey the core values of the PNPA. He also said that violence will never be the basis of one’s character or being a cadet, but through lessons, being wise in exchanging ideas, and to follow good morals in life.
“Those are the essence of learning process especially in an academic institution that trains future leaders of the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police. We cannot claim to be products of an institution that puts premium on integrity, service and justice if we cannot practice them on ourselves,” he stated.
Eleazar extended his condolences to the bereaved family of Cadet 3rd Class Magsayo and he also assured that a deep investigation will be conducted to ferret ou the truth and attain justice.