A REPORT LAST September 18 exposed that a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet identified as Darwin Dormitorio, 20, from Cagayan de Oro, died after sustaining serious injuries from hazing. An autopsy indicated the cadet’s internal organs were broken and that there is a possibility that he was electrocuted.

PMA officials will also be investigated after attempting to cover up the victim’s real cause of death. The PMA initially reported that Dormitorio suffered from urinary tract infection that resulted in blood vomiting and stomach pain which caused his death eventually. Three cadets suspected of spearheading the hazing are still in the custody of the PMA.

Hazing is a PMA fascist traditionwherein new cadets are subjected to physical and mental torture to purportedly prepare them for the ordeals of actual warfare as future soldiers. This was based on the initiation ritual of the United States Military Academy West Point.