BACOLOD City – Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental has called for an end to violence during formative military training.
The bishop issued the appeal on Friday amid calls for justice on the death of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Darwin Dormitorio.
“This incident should wake us up and make us reexamine why the anti-hazing law has not deterred violent initiations in organizations and institutions,” Alminaza said.
He added the latest crime happened even with the enactment of a stronger anti-hazing law – Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 – which prohibits and imposes harsher penalties on organizers and participants of hazing.
Alminaza said since 1954, records showed over 30 people died due to hazing in the Philippines.
He added in the PMA case, such violent culture will inevitably breed military leaders who take pleasure in barbaric operations and illegal practices.
He said such culture affects the government structures as military people are appointed or elected to high government positions.
“Hazing should never be part of a formative process, be it physical or psychological. Fraternity hazing must not be condoned as a method to prove the commitment of a person in a group or in society. Hazing can never be a test of brotherly love,” the bishop added.
Alminaza said “schools should be homes of peace and spaces of love.”
According to the Diocese of San Carlos, the PMA needs to address the violent and illegal practices of subcultures in its institution.
“Necessary changes must be implemented to prevent senseless deaths. Whether upperclassmen retaliation or initiation through hazing, these secret practices should end within the premier military training institution of our country,” it added.(With a report from PNA/PN)
