Sen. Pimentel's Statement on the death of PMA Cadet Darwin Dormitorio

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III is extremely saddened by the death of his fellow Kagay-anon, 20-year old Philippine Military Academy cadet, Darwin Dormitorio.

The young man, who was suspected to be a victim of hazing, died of cardiac arrest secondary to internal hemorrhage, inside his barracks at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City last Wednesday, September 18.

"This is unacceptable and must be investigated immediately! We cannot turn a blind eye to this kind of violence in the country's premier military training institution. Apparently, the situation was exacerbated by negligence in the medical treatment of this young man," Pimentel said.

The Senator on Friday expressed his utter dismay that such unfortunate incident still occurred despite the enactment of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, which imposes harsher penalties on organizers and participants of hazing.

According to news reports, Dormitorio was initially admitted at the PMA Hospital two weeks ago due to stomach pain and vomiting. The hospital will also be investigated as it only diagnosed the young man with Urinary Tract Infection despite the presence of bruises on his stomach.

"We strongly urge the appropriate PMA Officers to bring the perpetrators to justice. We have to protect our children and future heroes from this atrocious practice," Pimentel added.

Twenty cadets are now facing investigation in connection with Dormitorio's death.