By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday ordered Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan to take full control of the investigation into a new alleged hazing incident.
In a statement, Nartatez stressed the PNP’s zero-tolerance policy on violence among cadets.
“Aggressive policy reforms are ongoing at the PNPA, and this new case was a product of early interventions through regular monitoring and detection of hazing incidents. This is being investigated to make it clear that we will maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding violence among the ranks of our future police leaders,” he said.
“We will not allow favoritism or any cover-up. Anyone found responsible, regardless of their year level, will face the full force of the law,” he added.
The case surfaced during a routine inspection on Sunday when two cadets were found with bruises on their feet after allegedly being struck by upperclassmen.
Nartatez directed Maranan to identify all involved, including those who failed to prevent the incident.
The two cadets linked to the case are under restrictive custody as the investigation continues. The victims, meanwhile, will receive medical, legal, and psychological support.
The incident follows the April 3 incident when 22 fourth-class cadets were injured, including burns from a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid, during a hazing incident. (PNA)
