PLM prexy, admin to probe alleged ROTC hazing incident: ‘I will never allow violence to happen’

Written by Zarena Hermogeno • Board by John Ivan Pasion | 13 May 25

In his speech at the Leadership Planning and Team Building 2025, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) President Domingo “Sonny” Y. Reyes Jr. addressed the alleged hazing incident involving some students in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), May 9.

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“We cannot and we must not make any conclusions yet [...] Please take note that this is not only the life of the victim but also the life (and) future of those who are alleged (to have) committed the hazing [...] Please, I appeal, antayin natin matapos ang proseso [...] I assure you as your President that I will never allow violence to happen,” he said.

This is following the official statement released by the university wherein it emphasizes that it “takes these matters very seriously” and announced that there is an ongoing investigation based on the guidelines provided in the Student Manual.

Moreover, Pres. Reyes Jr., extends his apologies to the family of the victim.

“Forgive me, on behalf of PLM, if there are some delays. (I) ask for the father’s forgiveness, the family, I know what they are going through but I have also the responsibility to look after those who are respondents to the matter, to also afford them the right to due process,” the university president stated.

Through his personal statement released to Ang Pamantasan, Randi Dela Cruz, the victim’s father demanded swift action and proper punishment for those responsible.

“As a father, I appreciate the words, but the process has been delayed. What we need is swift action and proper punishment for those responsible. My daughter deserves justice–not just promises. That’s all,” he said.

Dela Cruz also clarified his efforts to ensure justice for his daughter, emphasizing that accountability will be enforced to every single person involved.

“But let me be clear–I will not stop until justice is served. The truth will come out, and every single person involved will be held accountable. Not just the students who laid their hands on my daughter, but also the supervisors, high-ranking officials, and anyone who turned a blind eye. This is beyond PLM now. Multiple government agencies are stepping in, and this case will be investigated from top to bottom. There will be no escaping responsibility,” he added.

The victim’s father refused an interview with AP regarding the alleged hazing incident explaining that it might affect the ongoing investigation.

In its official statement, the university “hopes” to conclude the investigation later this month.

This is a developing story.