THE KABATAAN Partylist condemned the death of a Philippine Merchant Marine Academy cadet whose body was found at the barracks in San Narciso, Zambales last July 7.

Raoul Manuel, KP national spokesperson, said the killing of Cadet Fourth Class Jonas Bondoc “mirrors the culture of impunity” in the country.

“Liban sa masusing imbestigasyon, kailangang kilalanin na meron talagang kultura ng karahasan at kawalang pananagutan na nanunuot sa disiplinang militar. Hindi lang ito aksidente. Tradisyon na ang abuso,” Manuel said.

Bondoc, 19, a native of Butuan City, died of head injury after the suspect, Midshipman Cadet 2nd class Jomel Gloria, punched him on the chest twice during a ‘traditional recognition’ of Mindanao’s underclass cadets.

PMMA chief of staff of the superintendent Chuck dela Cruz said a homicide complaint has already been filed against Gloria.

Citing the hazing death of Philippine Military Academy cadet Darwin Dormitorio in 2019, Manuel stressed a thorough investigation must be conducted.

“The Partylist is gravely alarmed that case like this involving young cadets often ends up unresolved, and perpetrators of this crime are actively shielded by the state,” Manuel said.

He also called to end violence and abuse in military training academies.

“Masaklap na ang mga kabataan na nais lamang manilbihan sa bayan ay napapahamak at nasasawi sa piling ng kanilang sariling kasamahan, sa kabila ng mandato ng mismong militar at estado na protektahan sila. Sa panibagong kaso na ito, nadadagdagan na naman ang mga dahilan para lalong mawalan ng tiwala ang kabataan sa military,” Manuel said.