More than 40 cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) have been implicated in the latest hazing incident inside the academy, with the majority already dismissed or terminated from the cadetship program, according to PNPA Director Redrigo Maranan.

In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, Maranan said some cadets are still undergoing investigation, while criminal complaints under Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law are also being pursued.

“More than 40 cadets ang involved doon at majority ay na-dismiss na natin or na-terminate natin yung kanilang cadetship program,” Maranan said.

The PNPA chief said the academy is now implementing aggressive reforms to eliminate hazing and maltreatment, following the directive of the interior secretary and the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Among the reforms is the installation of over 100 CCTV cameras across the academy’s barracks and activity areas, monitored through a newly established Cadet Monitoring Facility.

“Technology-driven yung reforms na gagawin natin… mababantayan natin yung mga galaw at activities ng mga kadete,” Maranan explained.

He clarified that cadet privacy would still be protected, saying cameras would not be placed in areas where privacy might be compromised.

Maranan also acknowledged that some cadets entering the academy already come from backgrounds linked to fraternities, military groups, or previous law enforcement experience, which may influence hazing culture inside the institution.

“So yun ngayon ang ating sinisilip, yung background ng mga bagong kadete na pumapasok dito sa ating PNPA,” he added.

The PNPA administration said it remains optimistic that the reforms and stricter background investigations will help eradicate hazing practices within the academy.