Saturday, October 12, 2019

Cases filed vs PMA cadets, officers over Dormitorio’s death

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 11, 2019): Cases filed vs PMA cadets, officers over Dormitorio’s death

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BAGUIO CITY - - Formal charges have been filed for the death of Philippine Military Academy Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio at the Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday.

Dexter Dormitorio, the eldest brother of Darwin with his legal counsel Jose Adrian Bonifacio and Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Director PCol. Allen Rae Co formally filed criminal charges against seven cadets, two tactical officers and three doctors.

Lawyer Bonifacio said that cases of violation of the anti hazing law, the anti torture law and the murder were filed against the seven cadets namely cadet 1st class Axl Rey Sanopao, cadet 2nd class Christian Zacarias, cadets 3rd class Shalimar Imperial, Felix Lumbag, Julius Carlos Tadena, Rey David John Volante, and John Vincent Manalo.


Tactics Group senior tactical officer Maj. Rex Bolo and tactical officer of the Echo Company Capt. Jeffrey Batistiana were also charged as accomplices to the hazing done to the victim.

Three doctors the PMA Hospital Station led by Colonel Cesar Almar Candelaria, the commanding officer of the PMAHS, with Captain Flor Apple Apostol and Major Ofelia Beloy were also charged for dereliction of duty or negligence.

Darwin was found inside his room at the PMA unconscious by fellow cadets and was brought to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival on September 18. Police investigation indicated the maltreatment he suffered leading to his death.

“Ang guarantee ko lang sa brother ko is this is just part one of the battles. We will not stop hanggang hindi napapanagot ang lahat," Dexter Dormitorio said.

“Heto ang wish ng aming family, dapat airtight case,” Dexter added. He said that their legal counsel and the police lawyers worked to finalize the paper works and provide the necessary documents to come up with an airtight case before filing the case.

Bonifacio said a panel of prosecutors will be formed by the Baguio City Prosecutors Office to investigate on the case.


Dexter Dormitorio, the eldest brother of PMA Cadet Darwin Dormitorio consults with lawyers prior to the filing of the cases at the Baguio City Prosecutors Office on Tuesday. RMC PIA-CAR

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Oct. 10, Cadet 1st Class Cadet Ram Navarro, the PMA Cadet Corps commander, relinquished his position to share the responsibility over what happened to Cadet Dormitorio and allow a fresh start for the Corps to initiate far reaching reforms.

On September 24, PMA Superintendent Lieutenant General Ronnie Evangelista and PMA Commandant of Cadets Brigadier General Bartolome Bacarro also resigned due to the incident, citing command responsibility.(JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)

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