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Dormitorio 1 PRAYING FOR JUSTICE. VP for Mission and Ministry Irene Guitarte with (R-L) United Arts and Sciences Student Council President Andre Daba, CSG Department of Mission and Social Involvement Heads Erika Ramos and Shilina Golez, and CSG OVP and Oro Youth Kyle Cotache. Photo by Jet Torres.

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – On June 26, a special commemoration was held in front of the SEC Mall Gate where banners pleading for justice on the death of 2019 Philippine Military Academy (PMA) 4th Class Cadet Darwin Dormitorio hung along the university railings.

The solemn event started with short prayers by XU Vice President for Mission and Ministry Irene Grace Guitarte and student leaders Shilina Golez, Erika Ramos, Andre Daba, and Kyle Cotacte. 

Afterwards, XU Advocacy Head Nestor Banuag Jr, XU – National Service Training Program Director Dennise Gonzales, and Executive Secretary to the XU President Dr Libby Abesamis led the small group in fastening white roses and words of justice around Darwin’s photo. 

Dormitorio 4 WITH WHITE ROSES. A banner calling for justice to the death of Philippine Military Academy 4th Class Cadet Darwin Dormitorio hung along the railings outside SEC Mall Gate in Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan. Photo by Karl Aparece. 

Dormitorio 2“HUSTISYA NAKAB-OT NA”. A banner calling for justice to the death of Philippine Military Academy 4th Class Cadet Darwin Dormitorio hung along the railings outside SEC Mall Gate in Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan. Photo by Karl Aparece.

Justice At Last
After seven months of waiting last June 24, a case resolution had finally been brought to the needless passing of Dormitorio. The 20-year old plebe was pronounced dead due to the blunt force trauma he endured from hazing. 

In the case resolution released by the Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office, murder charges were filed for cadets Shalimar Imperial Jr and Felix Lumbag Jr, former PMA Station Hospital Chief Lieutenant Colonel Ceasar Candelaria, and medical officers Captain Flor Apple Apostol and major Maria Ofelia Beloy. 

Imperial Jr and Lumbag Jr will also face charges for violating Republic Act 11053 or the “Anti-Hazing Law”. Other cadets, Christian Zacarias and Julius Carlo Tadena, will face charges on “slight physical injuries” and “less serious physical injuries” respectively. 

Complaints were dissmissed against cadets Axl Rey Sanopao, Rey David John Volante, John Vincent Manalo as well as tactical officers Major Rex Bolo and Captain Jeffrey Batistiana for lack of probable cause.

Dormitorio 3 SMALL GATHERING (L-R). Erika Ramos, Kyle Cotache, VP for Mission and Ministry Irene Grace Guitarte, Shilina Golez, XU Advocacy Head Nestor Banuag Jr, Executive Secretary to the XU President Dr Libby Abesamis, Andre Daba, and XU National Service Training Program Director Denisse Gonzales. Photo by Karl Aparece. 

Guitarte shares, “This serving of justice is not only for Darwin, but for everyone victimized by hazing.” 

Dormitorio completed his Senior High School in Xavier Ateneo before proceeding to the PMA to pursue his dream of following in the footsteps of his father, retired Army Colonel William Dormitorio (PMA class of 1974). 

Darwin’s remains rest at the Cagayan de Oro Gardens.