MANILA, Philippines — April 22, 2026. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to thoroughly review and strictly enforce its anti-hazing policies following the filing of criminal charges against cadets accused of maltreating 22 underclassmen. He stressed that hazing has no place in institutions tasked with instilling discipline and respect for the law.

Gatchalian issued the call after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed complaints against seven PNPA cadets for violations of Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018. The charges were lodged before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Imus, Cavite.

“The filing of cases against seven Philippine National Academy cadets for alleged violations of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 is a crucial step towards justice and accountability,” Gatchalian said. 

He added, “Hindi na natin dapat kinukunsinti o binibigyang puwang ang ganitong uri ng pang-aabuso at karahasan, lalo na kung ito’y nagaganap sa institusyong inaasahang maghubog ng disiplina, integridad, at paggalang sa batas.”

The senator emphasized that the PNPA must not only punish offenders but also dismantle the “culture of violence” that allows hazing to persist. “Moving forward, the PNPA should thoroughly review its policies to strictly enforce anti-hazing measures, and to root out the culture of violence that allows these ghastly practices to persist,” he said.

The hazing incident occurred on April 3, 2026, inside the PNPA in Silang, Cavite, where 22 plebes reportedly suffered chemical burns after being exposed to a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid. The case led to the relief of PNPA director Maj. Gen. Andre Dizon and eight other officials.

PNPA director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan confirmed that reforms are underway, including stricter supervision, segregation of cadets, and installation of closed-circuit television cameras. He also noted that under the Anti-Hazing Law, supervising officers on duty during hazing incidents are held accountable.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reiterated a zero-tolerance policy, saying, “Regardless of the people and the ranks involved, there will always be a certainty of facing the consequences of violating our rules and regulations, and the rule of law.”

The PNPA hazing scandal has reignited debates about systemic abuse within police training institutions, with lawmakers and advocates calling for stronger enforcement of anti-hazing measures to protect cadets and uphold the integrity of law enforcement education.