PMA topnotcher pays tribute to Darwin Dormitorio, Mario Telan Jr. during grad rites

BAGUIO CITY - Cadet First Class Warren Leonor paid tribute to his "mistahs" who died at the Philippine Military Academy.

In his valedictory message, Leonor mentioned Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, the plebe who died in a 2019 hazing incident, and Cadet Fourth Class Mario Telan Jr. who was found at the bottom of the academy pool after a swimming class.

“To our dear mistahs who have departed Cadet Darwin Dormitorio and Cadet Mario Telan Jr., you will forever be a cherished part of the Madasigon Class of 2023,” Leonor said.

Dormitorio succumbed to hazing-related injuries on September 18, 2019, triggering criticism of the military academy that then led to the resignation of its top officials.

Meanwhile, the Baguio police said that there was no indication of foul play in Telan’s drowning.

In an interview with reporters, Leonor recalled that he and his class were saddened by the deaths of their batchmates.

He said Dormitorio and Telan became their inspiration to be “stronger” versions of themselves.

“We dedicate this success, our graduation to them. Since part sila ng class namin, ‘yung nangyari sa kanila sabi ko nga po sobrang nalungkot kami sa pagkawala nila pero ‘yung nangyari ‘yun ‘yung naging rason bakit naging mas malapit ‘yung bond namin together,” Leonor said.

(Since they are a part of our class, like I said, what befell them saddened us. But what happened also strengthened our bonds.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News