Two cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) have been declared guilty by a Baguio court for causing physical injuries that led to the tragic demise of Darwin Dormitorio in September 2019, according to his brother’s confirmation on Friday.
In a recent development, the Baguio Municipal Trial Court found cadets Julius Carlo Tadena and Christian Zacarias guilty on charges of “slight physical injuries” and sentenced them to 30 days of imprisonment.
Atty. Adrian Bonifacio, representing the Dormitorio family, stated that Zacarias and Tadena are not expected to regain their freedom in the near future.
“Then Tadena is still facing charges of hazing before RTC 5. What is important now for us is to terminate the case of Imperial, Lumbag, and Tadena sa RTC 5 for hazing and murder,” Bonifacio said.
The court has mandated both individuals to pay P100,000 in moral damages and P50,000 each for attorney’s fees.
In contrast, the court cleared former PMA Station Hospital chief Lt. Col. Ceasar Candelaria and medical officers Capt. Flor Apple Apostol and Maj. Maria Ofelia Beloy, from the charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
Dormitorio’s brother, Dexter, expressed contentment with the court’s verdict regarding Tadena and Zacarias when approached for comment.
“Sa mga kadete, yes kahit lesser crime. It shows na ang ginawa nila ang nakapatay sa kapatid ko,” Dexter said.
2 PMA cadets guilty of physical injuries charges in Darwin Dormitorio hazing case
“Sa doctors, hindi, but the court decided based on testimonies and evidence submitted,” he later added.
Both Dexter and Bonifacio revealed an ongoing malpractice case against the doctors, which they have filed with the Professional Regulation Commission.
Dormitorio passed away at the PMA Hospital on September 18, 2019, just a day after Apostol’s diagnosis of urinary tract infection.
Upon arrival, he was unconscious, unresponsive, and devoid of vital signs. Dormitorio’s eyes exhibited no movement, his lips and nails showed a bluish tint.
Numerous bruises covered his chest, stomach, sides, and back.
Although efforts of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation were employed, he was eventually pronounced deceased.
The cause of death was determined as cardiopulmonary arrest, likely resulting from blunt thoracoabdominal injury, possibly due to physical assault.
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