It’s a shame that the tragedy of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio and the exposé on “Ninja Cops” came on the heels of the investigation on the massive corruption at the Bureau of Corrections.
Just as we needed the assurance of a credible and reliable law enforcement to protect us from the thousands of hardened criminals now on the loose, we learn that a number of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel themselves have been actually engaged in illegal drugs trafficking.
Only recently, we discovered that BuCor’s crooked officials had been exploiting the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) parole program questionably releasing prisoners in exchange for hefty bribes. Unfortunately, some of the very people President Duterte trusts are undermining his anti-crime and anti-illegal drugs drive.
It turned out there have been more convicts released from the national penitentiary facilities than the actual number of those killed in Oplan Tokhang "encounters" designed by former PNP and BuCor chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.
Among those freed were convicted wealthy local and international drug lords who are cohorts of "ninja cops," who "recycle" or resell confiscated shabu or other illegal drugs in Metro Manila and other key cities.
President Duterte offers cash bounties for the heads of ninja cops, who have been coddled by some PNP generals, local government executives, and barangay officials—clearly an organized crime.
He also offers cash rewards for the capture of released heinous crime convicts. They must be returned to prison.
And, then it cost the life of another promising young soldier to unravel what horrendous ordeal cadets at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are being subjected to. They are being humiliated and tortured.
There is a public outcry for justice for the cruel death of Dormitorio, an outstanding youth leader from Cagayan de Oro, in the hands of several upperclassmen.
Initial investigation by the Baguio City Police revealed that the plebe was punished for a missing pair of combat boots, in all likelihood a frame up to justify his torment including being electrocuted with a taper flashlight on his genitals.
Dormitorio was severely beaten, his head kicked repeatedly. This landed him on the hospital for the third time, which was not reported publicly until he succumbed to death. Clearly there was intent to kill him.
Dormitorio's murder may be called a case of extra-judicial killing (EJK), PMA-style."
It's not the first case and it’s impossible that incidents of maltreatment and hazing of cadets went on without the knowledge and approval of PMA officials, as well as their tactical officers.
Now, there are at least four more batchmates of Dormitorio hospitalized at the AFP Medical Center on V. Luna, Quezon City. Authorities admit they have also been subjected to PMA hazing.
The pursuit of justice for Dormitorio should be guided by PMA's Honor Code, which demands that "a cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do."
All these instances are essentially connected. They starkly demonstrate the chaotic, deplorable and disturbing state of law enforcement due to rampant corruption.
There seems no difference between the impunity in BuCor, PNP and PMA, all in a state of disarray and their credibility in question. No single charges have been filed just yet.
A wholesale whitewash of the PMA hazing and coverup of the ninja cops mafia within the PNP are simply unacceptable. Enough of lies!
Truth and justice should prevail once and for all.
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