PMA confirms 4th-class cadet Maraggun was injured in 2024 hazing incident

Baguio City, Philippines - The Philippine Military Academy, after its internal investigation, finally issued a statement regarding the alleged hazing of a former fourth-class cadet in the academy in 2024, confirming that the victim was indeed “hurt”.

The academy’s confirmation came days after Mauee Bumagat Maraggun, the former cadet, reported to the authorities that he was subjected to hazing by fellow cadets by forcing him to undergo extreme exercises and physical punishment from September 2-29, 2024, to the point of near exhaustion. 

Maraggun sustained serious injuries from the incident and was confined at V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City, transferred to the PMA hospital station, and was only discharged on June 30, 2025. 

Maraggun claimed that there are four cadets involved in the incident but did not reveal their identities. 

The PMA, in its statement on July 8, said they already conducted an internal investigation following the former cadet's claims. After their initial investigation, the institution confirmed that the complainant was indeed harmed in September 2024. 

At present, the academy is not able to provide comprehensive information about the incident as they have not yet received any police report or formal complaint from the victim. 

“…we confirm that a thorough and impartial investigation was completed in accordance with our military justice system. The investigation found that a fourth-class cadet was harmed by a classmate in September 2024, and the cadets involved have been sanctioned under AFP and CCAFP regulations,” the statement reads. 

As for the alleged hazing that happened, the PMA affirms its position against the case, saying they do not tolerate such kind of abuse.

 “The Philippine Military Academy firmly reiterates that we do not condone maltreatment. Since 2018, we have implemented comprehensive reforms in training systems, policies, supervision, and monitoring mechanisms to prevent such incidents and foster a culture of respect, discipline, and professionalism among our cadets,” added the statement. 

As of this writing, the names of the four accused have not been made public since Maraggun has not yet filed a formal complaint and is still processing the necessary documents to do so.

Once a formal complaint is filed, legal proceedings are expected to be conducted. The PMA said they ‘respect the decision of the cadet’s family to pursue legal remedies in civilian courts’.