Dormitorio kin dissatisfied with DOJ resolution

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – A police officer was killed in a gun attack in Bacoor City, Cavite on Wednesday night. The family of hazing victim Darwin Dormitorio is not satisfied with the resolution of a panel of prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which dismissed the complaints filed against several respondents tagged in the death of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet.

“The Anti-Hazing Law was selectively and partially applied,” lawyer Jose Adrian Bonifacio, quoting Dormitorio’s father William, said.

“Although we are relieved that after nine  months a resolution has finally been made, and grateful that the prosecutors concurred with our position regarding the Anti-Hazing Law being applicable in PMA, we feel like we are being deprived of it,” the elder Dormitorio, a retired colonel and member of the PMA Class of 1974, added.

Bonifacio said the family of Dormitorio is reviewing the DOJ resolution and considering all possible legal options.

The complaints filed against PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, former commandant of cadets Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, cadets Rey Sanopao, Rey David, John Volante and John Vincent Manalo as well as Maj. Rex Bolo and Capt. Jeffrey Batistiana were dismissed for lack of probable cause.

Dexter Dormitorio, older brother of the slain cadet, had earlier told prosecutors that Evangelista and Bacarro should be indicted for dereliction of duty and as accomplices for violation of the Anti-Hazing Law as well as principals for violation of the Anti-Torture Law.

The Baguio City prosecutor’s office indicted cadets Shalimar Imperial Jr. and Felix Lumbag Jr. for hazing and murder.

Cadet Julius Carlo Tadena was charged with hazing and less serious physical injuries while cadet Christian Zacarias was indicted for slight physical injuries.

Former PMA Station Hospital chief Lt. Col. Ceasar Candelaria and medical officers Capt. Flor Apple Apostol and Maj. Maria Ofelia Beloy were charged with murder.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the AFP would provide any assistance the courts would require to ensure that justice is served.

”The AFP looks at this development with optimism that the wheels of justice  grind for  all those involved in the case,” Arevalo said.

PMA spokesperson Maj. Cherryl Tindog said the academy would comply with any court order.  Romina Cabrera