PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar on Sunday ordered a review of the existing rules and regulations as well as the academies policies of the PNP Academy amid the purported ‘hazing’ death of a young cadet last Thursday.

The top cop said he wants necessary adjustments be made within the institution which is the prime source of the country’s Police Commissioned Officers in the aftermath of the sudden demise of Cadet 3rd Class George Carl Magsayo who was reportedly punched in the stomatch at least five times by one of his upperclassmen.

“I have already directed the Director, PNPA PMGen Rhoderick Armamento, and Director, DHRDD (Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development) PBGen Arthur Bisnar, to conduct the necessary review and adjustments on the existing rules, regulations and academic polices to further strengthen the moral foundation of our cadets in the PNPA,” the PNP chief said in a statement.

As of Sunday, the investigation into the death of Magsayo is still ongoing.

Magsayo’s upperclassman, Cadet 2nd Class Steve Caesar Maingat reportedly punched the victim causing the latter to collapse. Magsayo died while being taken to a local hospital.

“Gusto naming malaman kung saan pa kami nagkulang at gusto din naming maintindihan kung bakit sa kabila ng mahigpit na babala, ay nangyari ulit ito at naging dahilan pa nang pagkamatay ng isang kadete,” said Gen. Eleazar .

He also assured the public, especially the parents of the police cadets, that the PNP will never promote the culture of hazing or any form of action that will inflict harm to the cadets inside the academy.

Gen. Eleazar said if this would not be corrected, malpractices might also be done while they enter the police force, as well as in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

“Kasama ang inyong PNP sa hangarin na maalis ang kultura ng sakitan at bugbugan sa PNPA dahil naniniwala kami na kung hindi ito maagapan ay madadala nila ang mali at mapanganib na kaisipang ito kapag pumasok na sila sa PNP, BJMP at BFP at kalaunan ay maging problema pa ng mga organisasyong ito,” he said.

The PNPA has guaranteed that it is maintaining a strict “No To Hazing Policy” in adherence to the values of respect for human life and rights which are inculcated among their cadets and personnel.

Magsayo is already under the custody of the Silang Municipal Police Station and will be inquested before a local prosecutor’s office.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon