FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines — After the hazing death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio on Sept. 18, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will be strengthening its guidance counselling office to address mental health issues among cadets. He said granting 1st Class cadets authority once more would discourage cadets from maltreating plebes or cadets serving their first year at PMA. Six cadets, four of them 3rd Class cadets (or cadets in their second year of military school) have been classified by the Baguio police as suspects in Dormitorio’s death. Originally called the 1st class system, cadets completing their fourth year at the academy used to punish lower class cadets who breach the Honor Code. The 1st Class system also helped senior cadets “develop their leadership skills.”Brawner said the ongoing hazing probe prevents him from discussing the Dormitorio case.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 28, 2019 03:56 UTC