The chief of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has tendered his resignation to pave way for the investigation of the hazing death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio.
PMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista told CNN Philippines he has submitted his resignation to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal this morning.
“Just this morning, all the investigations are done already. The criminal case [is] being prepared now by the Philippine National Police,” Evangelista told CNN Philippines. “I think this is now the right time for me and the commandant and others to step down to pave way for the impartial investigation if still needed,” he added.
B/Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro also quit his post as Commandant of Cadets. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the resignations were accepted by the AFP leadership.
At least seven individuals will be facing administrative charges over Dormitorio’s death. The PMA Hospital and the physician who were in charge of Dormitorio will also be relieved.
Dormitorio was first brought to the hospital on Aug. 25. The 20-year-old cadet was brought back to the PMA Hospital on Sept. 17. He was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and was discharged after a few hours. He was later found unconscious and was declared death.
Three cadets have been identified as prime suspects, while two trainees have been considered as persons of interests. Nine individuals were considered witnesses on Dormitorio’s hazing death.
