The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is deeply concerned with the death of Third Class Cadet George Carl Magsayo after allegedly being repeatedly punched by his upperclassman in the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA). CHR Region IV-A is now conducting an independent probe to ensure justice for Magsayo and to ascertain that preventive measures are taken that will protect young cadets from suffering the same fate.

The Commission deeply condoles to the family and friends of Magsayo. It is strongly condemnable that another tragic death happened due to violence within an institution where young people are supposed to build their dreams, acquire skills, and develop their character. This incident glaringly deviates from the values of justice, integrity, and service that the institution espouses.

CHR welcomes the order of PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar to the PNPA officials to review the current rules, regulations and academic policies to prevent violence among cadets. Considering the past incidents of violence that resulted to deaths of young cadets, it is expedient that concrete measures are done to prevent violence and obliterate any culture or tradition that normalizes violence within the academy.

As a law enforcement learning institution, it is integral that PNPA students imbibe core values that will make them exemplary law enforcers in the future, and with no propensity for violence or abuses. ###