Senator Win Gatchalian condemned the death of a Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) cadet who was allegedly punched by his upperclassman in the academy’s premises in Silang, Cavite.
- The anti-hazing law provides that all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens’ army training are prohibited;
- Armamento reported that on September 23, suspect Cadet 2nd Class Steven Caesar Maingat punched Cadet 3rd Class George Karl Magsayo inside their dormitory;
- Magsayo was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.
According to Gatchalian, both the PNPA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) should fully enforce the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11053). PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar has already ordered an investigation, while PNPA Director Police Major General Rhoderick Armamento assured the public that the academy maintains its strict “No To Hazing Policy.”
“Ang PNPA ay dapat nagsisilbing halimbawa sa mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa hazing, lalo na’t dito hinuhubog ang kapulisang magtatanggol sa ating mga mamamayan. Ang pagpapatuloy ng ganitong mga gawain sa loob ng akademya ay pang-iinsulto at pagbabalewala sa ipinasa nating batas,” said Gatchalian.
“Hindi natin dapat ito pinalalagpas. Ang mga kadete ay dapat nagtataguyod sa karapatang pantao at sa karangalan ng institusyong nais nilang kabilangan,” he added.
The anti-hazing law provides that all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens’ army training are prohibited. The prohibition extends to fraternities, sororities, and organizations that are not school-based.
Physical, mental, and psychological testing and training procedures and practices of prospective members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP that are approved by the Secretary of National Defense and the National Police Commission, and duly recommended by the AFP Chief of Staff and the PNP Chief shall not be considered as hazing under the law.
The law imposes the penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3 million pesos to those who actually planned or participated in the hazing if it results to death, rape, sodomy, or mutilization.
Armamento reported that on September 23, suspect Cadet 2nd Class Steven Caesar Maingat punched Cadet 3rd Class George Karl Magsayo inside their dormitory. Magsayo collapsed and was given first aid by his fellow cadets, who also alerted the academy’s officers. Magsayo was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.
Maingat is under the custody of the Silang police. Criminal complaints are expected to be filed against him on Monday. A Special Task Group-Magsayo was also created to probe the incident.
