BY FELIPE F. MONTEALTO JR.
I WAS SAD upon hearing the news of the death of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet 4th class Darwin Dormitorio (from Cagayan De Oro City) on Sept. 20, 2019. Such an abrupt and violent end of a precious life of a 20-year-old who sought admission in the Academy for the country (Para Sa Bayan) through the military service.
Darwin could have been inspired and motivated by his father, Colonel William Dormitorio, who is also a Cavalier – a member of the PMA Marangal Class of 1974.
In spite of the reforms initiated by the Academy to curb such unlawful practice and pursuant to the recent enacted laws against hazing, the systemic culture of violence, of hatred, of discrimination, of bias and of death still plague the so-called Asia’s Premiere Military School.
Reading from media statements and online reports, it appears there were concerted efforts meant to cover up the crime. While due process of law must be observed for all suspects by any standards, it is hoped that those responsible for Darwin’s death – especially the masterminds/principals – must be brought to the Bar of Justice. We as a nation must call for accountability of those responsible for the murder and clarification on the case from PMA authorities.
Many years ago I heard accounts from first-hand sources of horrendous ordeal cadets suffered in the hands of some capricious upperclassmen who had this self-aggrandizing action undertaken simply for the desire of exercising control over underclassmen, euphemistically known as “power-tripping”.
Say, how could a helpless Plebe refuse a pack of pepper for ingestion and a drink from the barrack’s toilet sink?! There were more horror stories – some of those are better left unmentioned.
Cadet Life
To build the desirable character traits expected of cadets, they live under an atmosphere of restraint prescribed by rules and regulations.
These rules and regulations are all codified into what is known as the Graybook or “cadet bible.”
The Graybook defines, specifies and covers all the “do’s” and “don’t’s” of cadet behavior, activities and actuations. Cadets follow very unique customs and traditions that are premised on the principle that “no one is fit to command who has not learned to obey.”
This tradition calls for certain standards which the plebe, fresh from civilian life, must meet.
It also considers several corrective measures the upperclassmen may take to enable the plebes to meet the standards. In other words, the custom operates to develop good qualities and individuals. Likewise, it helps him exercise his leadership. This custom is known as the Fourth Class System.
Another equally, if not more important, means of developing the character is the Honor System. The system is very special to the cadets and transcends all aspects of his life in the Academy. It presupposes clean thinking and honest dealing; therefore, deception is neither tolerated nor are undue advantages allowed to be taken by one another. (PMA website)
Ergo, without meaning to impose upon the prerogatives of PMA authorities, the Academy must review its policies and guidelines and take action to mitigate any risks that could lead to a casualty.
While the Fourth Class System has been designed to exercise leadership, oftentimes, said system is prone to abuse. Cadet Dormitorio’s death should give birth to major reforms at PMA.
Darwin was too young to die. He could have been a great soldier. Ironically, he did not die in a battlefield. He died in the revered institution and sacred grounds where he thought he could springboard his dreams for his loved one, for his family and for us as a nation.
“Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning”, so says an old classic. As Darwin just passed his final sunset to open his eyes to the morning of eternity, let us offer our prayers with him and the bereaved family.
Darwin had made a homerun as he sought the Savior. May Darwin forgive those who killed him and let his kindred spirit rest peacefully in eternity as we pursue justice for him.
On this sad note, let us convey our deepest sympathy to the Dormitorio family. May the family find strength and comfort at this difficult time.
In closing, it bears stressing that every PMAer that upholds the Academy’s motto of Courage, Integrity and Loyalty makes him an indispensable element in the noble task of protecting and safeguarding the sovereignty of our country.
A PMAer can do nothing less than be the Officer and Gentlemen that the Academy has trained and molded him to be. (felipe_fmjr@yahoo.com/PN)
