Forty-nine cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) have been either charged or sanctioned in connection with an alleged hazing incident that resulted in injuries to 22 fourth-class cadets. The incident occurred on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, where victims sustained burns and injuries after being splashed with a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid.
Details of the Charges
During the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel forum, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that seven PNP cadets are already behind bars for their alleged involvement. According to Remulla, 49 individuals were charged in total. Seven were charged under the Anti-Hazing Act, which is non-bailable, while the remaining 42 were dismissed from the academy due to dishonesty.
Remulla explained that the 42 cadets who were present in the room during the hazing but did not participate—choosing to watch, remain silent, or pretend to be asleep—were also dismissed. Those who did not witness the act or refused to speak were removed but faced only dishonesty cases, not criminal charges.
Background and Reforms
Initial findings indicate that the hazing stemmed from a disciplinary issue after underclassmen were blamed for an incident involving a cadet who planned to resign. Following the incident, then PNPA director Police Major General Andre Dizon and eight others were relieved from their posts. The Philippine National Police has since ordered sweeping reforms within the PNPA to prevent future hazing incidents.
