Family of PMA cadet finds justice after 5-year battle

After a grueling five-year court battle, the family of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet Darwin Dormitorio finally found justice as the court convicted three former cadets responsible for his death.

In a decision released by Judge Ligaya Itliong-Rivera of Baguio City RTC Branch 5, former cadets Shalimar Imperial Jr., Felix Lumbag Jr., and Julius Tadena were found guilty in the hazing death of PMA 4th Class Cadet Darwin Dormitorio.

Imperial and Lumbag were convicted of murder and hazing, while Tadena was found guilty of hazing.

The court sentenced all three to reclusion perpetua, or life imprisonment. Imperial and Lumbag were also ordered to pay P3 million each in damages, while Tadena was ordered to pay P2 million.

The defense team for Imperial, Lumbag, and Tadena has announced plans to appeal the decision before the Court of Appeals.

The Dormitorio family expressed a sense of relief at the verdict.

"I am happy, I am contented sa decision, pero hindi na nila maibalik ang buhay ng aking anak," Jasmin Dormitorio, Darwin's mother, said.

"Naawa din ako sa mga nasentensyahan at maging sa mga magulang, kasi pareho kaming mga biktima. Nagpapasalamat din ako sa justice system natin—we deserved it, my son deserved it," she added.

While the verdict brings some closure, Jasmin admitted she still struggles to forgive those responsible for her son's death.

"The pain is still there—the pain is unbearable, especially that my husband is gone. Nagka-cardiac ang husband ko, dahil contributary ang case na ito," she said.

Following the court's ruling, the three convicted cadets were taken for medical examination before being transferred to the Baguio City Jail.

Their families declined to comment on the court decision.

PMA doctors

The Dormitorio family awaits the decision on an administrative case they filed against the PMA doctors whom they believe were negligent in handling Darwin's condition.

"In a way, we feel vindicated, even if they were acquitted a year ago. Pero hindi pa ito tapos; may kaso pa sa PRC, and the judge here now supported our position—na may neglect sa part ng mga doctor," Atty. Adrian Bonifacio, Dormitorio family's legal counsel, said.

Dormitorio fell victim to hazing inside the Philippine Military Academy in September 2019, which led to his untimely death. — GMA Regional TV