The Philippine Army has initiated an investigation into the suicide of a cadet reportedly driven by depression caused by hazing conducted by upperclassmen in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in Passi City, Iloilo.
The victim, identified as JP Mombay, was a third-year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student at Passi City College.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Colonel Jonathan Gayas, Group Commander of the 6th Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command, Philippine Army, stated that their Community Defense Center in Iloilo is handling the investigation.
According to Gayas, the leadership of Passi City College is also participating in the investigation.
Like Mombay’s family, the Army also wants to uncover the truth behind the reported hazing incident.
The victim was allegedly blindfolded, beaten with a paddle, and physically punished by his ROTC seniors.
The victim’s family and his loved ones revealed that he had been experiencing severe depression and stress due to the hazing.
Unable to cope with the psychological burden, he ultimately took his own life.
