Manila: Seven cadets are facing criminal charges while 42 others have been dismissed from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) over the alleged hazing of 22 underclassmen in April, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday. Speaking at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel forum in Manila, Remulla detailed the situation concerning the cadets involved in the hazing incident inside the PNPA in Silang, Cavite, on April 3, where 22 cadets reportedly suffered chemical burns.
According to Philippines News Agency, the seven upperclassmen have been charged for violating Republic Act 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, while 42 others were expelled for dishonesty. The controversy prompted the relief of former PNPA director Maj. Gen. Andre Dizon and other academy officials. Remulla emphasized the severity of the charges, stating, "Seven were charged for violation of Anti-Hazing Act which is non-bailable. The rest were dismissed from the Academy because of dishonesty. So there were 49 who were implicated."
He further explained that the 42 cadets who were present during the incident but did not intervene were dismissed for simply watching and not taking action. "The 42 who were present in the room while the disgusting thing was being done just watched, they just kept quiet and pretended to be asleep, they were dismissed too. Those who didn't testify, those who didn't want to talk, were also dismissed but they had no charges except dishonesty," Remulla added.
In other developments, Remulla revealed that 650 fire safety inspectors (FSIs) assigned in Metro Manila have been reassigned to Basilan and Tawi-Tawi as part of an anti-corruption campaign within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). He stated, "They won't have any rackets in those places," highlighting the department's effort to restore integrity within the BFP.
Former BFP chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez and 40 others linked to the Bids and Awards Committee faced suspension over allegations involving a PHP14.7-million kickback tied to the bureau's ambulance procurement program in 2024. Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu now serves as acting head of the BFP.
