Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has welcomed the filing of a criminal complaint against seven cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in connection with a hazing incident involving muriatic acid. The case was filed by the Silang Municipal Police Station in Cavite on April 17, 2026, for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.
The complaint stems from an alleged hazing ritual on March 30, 2026, where a fourth-class cadet was reportedly forced to ingest a liquid substance, later confirmed to be diluted muriatic acid, causing him to vomit blood. The victim was subsequently hospitalized. The seven respondents, all upperclassmen, are currently under restrictive custody at the PNPA headquarters.
In a statement, General Nartatez emphasized that the filing of the case demonstrates the PNP's commitment to accountability and justice. "This is a clear manifestation that the PNP does not and will never tolerate any form of wrongdoing within its ranks," he said. The PNP leadership has assured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.
The Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to 3 million pesos, if hazing results in death, rape, sodomy, or mutilation. The PNPA has also stated it will pursue administrative charges against the cadets independently of the criminal case.
