Darwin Dormitorio’s wake in Cagayan de Oro. Photo: ABS-CBN" width="100%" />
Three days after it was confirmed that Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Darwin Dormitorio died of cardiac arrest due to hazing, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra today ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the circumstances surrounding the freshman cadet’s death.
Read: Hazing killed PMA freshman cadet Darwin Dormitorio, Baguio City police say
Justice Guevarra ordered NBI Director Dante Gierran to conduct the investigation and said that “if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible therefore.”
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra has directed the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the death of PMA Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio. pic.twitter.com/ZfTFC8J8Qw
— Department of Justice (DOJ) (@DOJPH) September 23, 2019
Baguio City Police concluded that Dormitorio, who joined PMA just two months ago, died of hazing due to the existence of bruises on his stomach. This was after PMA announced on Thursday that Dormitorio had experienced internal bleeding and the official cause of his death was given as cardiac arrest. Initial reports said he was rushed to the school’s hospital after he vomited and complained of stomach pains, but subsequent reports revealed he was found unconscious inside a classroom before he was taken in for medical treatment.
On Friday, three cadets — each under investigation for their possible involvement in the fatal incident — were placed within PMA detention facilities. The police also estimated that at least 20 other people witnessed the freshman being tortured, reported ABS-CBN News. In light of the recent Justice department order, these cadets and witnesses may be subject to investigation by the NBI.
The PMA organized Dormitorio’s wake in his hometown of Cagayan de Oro City, where his casket was draped with the Philippine flag and displayed to the public at Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana visited the wake where he consoled Dormitorio’s parents. Dormitorio will be buried on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Dormitorio’s family has chosen to privately grieve the death of their son, but his uncle, Omaradji Pizarro, mayor of Bukidnon told Inquirer, “We hope this would be the start of reform at the PMA, but sadly at the expense of Darwin’s life.”
Lawmakers and the late cadet’s kin have called for the review and strengthening of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. or Republic Act 11053, which prohibits and penalizes physical harm and violence resulting from initiation rites in fraternities, sororities, and other organizations in the Philippines.
