Deprivation of sleep, food part of military training, says AFP spox

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo on Wednesday admitted that cadets may sometimes be subjected to deprivation of sleep and food as part of their training in the military school.

"Authorized part of the training is to guard your post, for example. Hinahanda po tayo sa ganyan so ultimately hindi po talaga tayo makakakuha ng sufficient sleep," Arevalo said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"Necessarily sa training po natin, may mga pagkakataon na nagugutom tayo at 'yun po ay kasama sa mga bagay na kailangan natin mai-cope o malampasan," he added.

Arevalo said these conditions train the cadets to think calmly and make the right decisions even when faced with adversity.

He, however, said there should be moderation when upperclassmen subject the plebes to these kinds of hardship.

"Dapat alam din po natin [kung] kailan tayo dapat hihinto at ano ang hangganan ng mga bagay nating iutos sa ating mga tine-train," he said.

Last week, Fourth Class cadet Darwin Dormitorio died from injuries he suffered through hazing. He was rushed to the hospital multiple times prior to his death.

In a letter he wrote to his parents, Dormitorio said he already coped with sleepless days and asked for comfort food.

"Okay lang po ako dito sa PMA, nakapag-adjust na ako sa mga walang tulog na mga panahon," the translated letter read.

"Miss ko na kayo lahat lalo na si Brando (Darwin's pet dog). Kung bibisita si Ate at Kuya, papadala lang po ako money and pizza and doughnut hehe."

Following his death, three other freshmen were also hospitalized for suspected maltreatment.

Arevalo said that they are already in stable condition. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News