Homicide complaint filed vs. suspect in death of PMMA cadet

Complaint has been filed against the suspect in the death of a Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) cadet whose body was found at the barracks in San Narciso, Zambales, a school official said Thursday.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, PMMA chief of staff of the superintendent Chuck dela Cruz said the homicide complaint has been filed against Cadet Third Class Jomel Gloria.

“We have already got an information na na-file-an na ng kasong homicide sa Office of the Provincial Prosecutor si Cadet Third Class Jomel Gloria,” he said.

(We received the information that a homicide case has been already filed against Cadet Third Class Jomel Gloria before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.)

Gloria is now in the custody of the police, he said.

The victim, Cadet Fourth Class Jonas Bondoc, was found dead earlier this week in a comfort room in the PMMA barracks.

Dela Cruz said Gloria had coordinated with the academy and made an extra-judicial confession that he “unintentionally” punched Bondoc on the chest twice. Bondoc passed out and was brought to the hospital.

Dela Cruz said Gloria’s confession was consistent with the testimonies of the witnesses and report from the Scene of the Crime Operatives. However, Gloria's motive or intention will still be investigated.

The suspect has already been removed as a cadet in the academy, Dela Cruz said.

The official also said there is no reported conflict between Bondoc and Gloria. Citing his personal knowledge, he said the two were actually friends.

Due to the incident, concerned officers have filed a courtesy resignation to ensure impartial investigation into the incident and for command responsibility.

Dela Cruz said that the academy’s investigation as well as the Prosecutor already ruled out hazing in the incident.

NBI probe

Agusan del Norte Representative Lawrence Fortun has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the incident.

He said the case should not be deemed as close just because a suspect was already placed under police custody.

The lawmaker said he has been in contact with Bondoc’s family and he said they are also calling for a reform in the PMMA to ensure that “cadets would not suffer the same fate in the hands of abusive upper class cadets.”

“I ask the National Bureau of Investigation to lead the independent investigation. The CHED (Commission on Higher Education) should also investigate the policies and practices inside the Academy and determine the reasons why and how these cruel hazing activities still persist to this date,” Fortun said.

“It is most important to ascertain that the recurrence of incidents like this are prevented and will never happen again,” he added.

Fortun further said the possible negligence on the part of PMMA officials should be looked into.—with Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/AOL, GMA News