KABATAAN Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel on Tuesday condemned the arbitrary punishment imposed by a senior class officer of NYK-TDG Maritime Academy in Canlubang, Laguna against a 19-year old cadet that led to his death.

The solon also extends his condolences to the grieving family of Vince Andrew delos Reyes as another fellow youth lost his life to a culture of blind obedience, violence and abuse.

Manuel lamented that the incident was not immediately reported to authorities, pointing to possible
cover-up.

“We call for a thorough investigation to hold perpetrators and responsible officials accountable. A legislative inquiry on this incident is also timely to improve anti-hazing policies, given the persistence of abuse cases military-style education programs and institutions,” Manuel said.

“Krimen na pala ang pag-send ng like emoji? Ito ay hazing, hindi pagdidisiplina. Nananawagan tayo ng hustisya para kay Vince at sa lahat ng biktima ng abuso ng kapangyarihan,” he added.

“Sa pagparusa maaaring ituro ang tama at mali at ang pananagutan ng mga nagkasala, pero dito ginamit ang pagparusa para itanim ang kultura ng bulag na pagsunod at karahasan sa mga kadete. Hindi disiplina at prinsipyo ang natutunan sa abuso kundi pagkatakot at pagsamba sa kapangyarihan. Lalo nitong bubulukin ang utak at papahamakin ang kabataang Pilipino sa gitna ng krisis sa edukasyon,” Manuel further said.