SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday condemned the death of a Philippine National Police Academy cadet who was punched by his upperclassman.

On September 23, Cadet 2nd Class Steven Caesar Maingat punched Cadet 3rd Class George Karl Magsayo inside their dormitory.

Magsayo collapsed and was given first aid by his fellow cadets. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

Maingat is in the custody of the Silang police.

Gatchalian said the PNPA and the Philippine National Police should fully enforce the law that bans hazing — Republic Act 11053.

“Ang PNPA ay dapat nagsisilbing halimbawa sa mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa hazing, lalo na’t dito hinuhubog ang kapulisang magtatanggol sa ating mga mamamayan. Ang pagpapatuloy ng ganitong mga gawain sa loob ng akademya ay pang-iinsulto at pagbabalewala sa ipinasa nating batas,” he said.

“Hindi natin dapat ito pinalalagpas. Ang mga kadete ay dapat nagtataguyod sa karapatang pantao at sa karangalan ng institusyong nais nilang kabilangan,” the senator added.

The anti-hazing law bans all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens’ army training. The prohibition extends to fraternities, sororities, and organizations that are not school-based.

The law imposes the penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of P3 million to those who actually planned or participated in the hazing if it results to death, rape, sodomy, or mutilization.