The Commission on Human Rights strongly condemns the recent death of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio who suffered from internal injuries caused by hazing.

In bringing perpetrators to account, we welcome the action of the leadership of the PMA to investigate and file necessary administrative and criminal cases against the parties involved, while taking command responsibility over what happened.

The Commission has zero-tolerance for hazing and calls for its total elimination in all schools and non-school-based organisations, including in military and army trainings. We vehemently oppose this practice that directly curtails the right to life of individuals particularly the youth.

We must end the culture of violence especially among the ranks of our future leaders in the military sector and disavow in unequivocal terms the use of physical, mental and psychological violence in their training activities.

Our deepest sympathy goes to the Dormitorio family and hopes that they will get the justice they deserve for Darwin’s loss.