Reaffirming the Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s zero-tolerance policy against hazing, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said three cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy arrested over an alleged maltreatment incident will face the full force of the law.

Speaking at a press conference in Camp Crame, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla said violence, abuse, and impunity have no place inside the country’s premier police training institution.

“Walang aregluhan dito sa tatlong nahuli na ito. I will ensure to the full extent of my capacity, na ‘yung tatlo will be charged doon sa Anti-Hazing law,” Remulla said.

“I will make sure that the procedures are followed, that the case build-up is done well and we will charge them accordingly,” he added.

Remulla said the culture of abuse must end and accountability must prevail, stressing that discipline cannot be built through cruelty.

The DILG chief also disclosed that seven cadet officers believed to be complicit are under further investigation, although the extent of their participation has yet to be established.

Initial reports showed that on April 7, 2026, at around 10:00 p.m., operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Cavite Provincial Field Unit conducted a follow-up operation after PNPA authorities reported an alleged maltreatment incident.

Arrested were three 3rd Class cadets identified as Mhicco Legarda Escalante, Harold Locop Heje, and Lance Elroy Guinitaran Gayramon. Other individuals remain under investigation.

The suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11053 and are now under CIDG custody. Items believed to have been used in the incident were recovered and are undergoing forensic examination.

The DILG assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation is underway and said stronger oversight measures are being enforced to prevent abuse, protect cadets, and uphold integrity in training institutions.