IN the wake of a reported hazing incident, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Thursday the administrative relief of the top official of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and eight other officers.
Police Major General Andre Dizon, the PNPA director, along with eight other unnamed officers, has been removed from his post as the investigation into the alleged hazing intensifies.
The administrative relief was confirmed by Secretary Remulla, who stated that the move is part of the ongoing process to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
Speaking at a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño detailed the leadership changes. Police Brigadier General Redrico Atienza Maranan, the outgoing regional director of Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7), will serve as the new acting director of the PNPA. In turn, Police Brigadier General Arnold Abad, the former district director of the Manila Police District, will succeed Maranan as the PRO7 chief.
The decision to relieve these officials follows a recommendation from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for a full-blown probe into the concerned PNPA officials. PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has approved this recommendation, signaling the seriousness with which the police force is treating the hazing allegations.
The PNP has emphasized its commitment to investigating such incidents thoroughly and holding accountable any individuals found to have violated regulations or laws, particularly concerning the welfare and safety of cadets.
While the details of the hazing incident have not been fully disclosed, the relief of key personnel underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards such practices within the police academy. The PNPA is responsible for training future police officers, and ensuring a safe and ethical environment for cadets is paramount.
The ongoing investigation and the subsequent administrative actions aim to restore confidence in the academy’s leadership and reinforce the PNP’s commitment to upholding its core values and standards.
