A leadership reshuffle within the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) is underway following an alleged hazing incident involving several cadets who were arrested in Silang, Cavite, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday.

In an interview over DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, Remulla said top PNPA officials have already been placed under administrative relief as part of moves to reorganize the academy’s leadership.

“Oo, mayroon na kaming move para ireorganize, iyong top 1 at 2 ng PNPA naka-administrative release na sila. So, by this week o next week maglalagay na kami ng bago,” he said.

Authorities earlier arrested three third class cadets on April 7 in connection with the incident. Four more cadets have since been identified and are expected to face charges.

Subpoenas have also been issued to concerned personnel and cadets, requiring them to appear before investigators.

Remulla said the government would pursue the case with full force, expressing confidence in the strength of the evidence.

“In the full force of the law ipapatupad ko talaga ito. Naka-inquest na sila, charged them, maganda na ang case feedback namin may magtetestify,” he said.

He added that he is “90% sure” the accused will be convicted, estimating a possible prison sentence ranging from 12 to 20 years.

According to Remulla, the victims suffered severe physical and psychological harm. Some cadets reportedly sustained third-degree burns after a mixture of liquid caustic soda and muriatic acid was applied to their backs.

He described the alleged acts as “inhumane,” noting that the chemicals were allowed to drip to other parts of the victims’ bodies.

“Ganoon kabigat ang ginawa nila, talagang hindi na makatao. Kaya hindi ako papayag na mangyari iyan,” he said.

The incident has prompted Remulla to review past hazing cases and impose stricter penalties moving forward.

“In fact irereview ko nga ang lahat ng hazing cases from the past few years at bibigatan ko na talaga ang kamay diyan. Kasi kung ang pulis ay maaga pa lang ay maloko na, pagdating sa career niyan ay mas maloko pa iyan kaya dapat ngayon pa lamang ay tinatanggal na sila,” Remulla said.

Remulla on Monday, April 13, vowed that no out-of-court settlement will take place in the hazing incident.

At least nine PNPA officials are currently under investigation for possible administrative and criminal liability over the incident.

The suspects are expected to face charges for violating Republic Act No. 11053, while evidence recovered from the scene is undergoing forensic examination under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).