By Alexia Reign Hernandez and Carla Adeline Via
After a company commander publicly released details of hazing last Feb. 4, the Silliman University – Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (SU-ROTC) is currently holding investigations within the program.
In a Facebook post, 2CL Cadet Camillus Rudolf Cataluna revealed being subject to persistent physical abuse, intimidation, and online harassment.
Included in his claims were instances where he was commanded to hold a T-pose while carrying rifles in each arm for several minutes, punching from senior cadets, and accusations of violating military secrecy.
“Before being dismissed, I was threatened not to speak about what had happened,” he said.
Following an internal investigation, a report was submitted to SU National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope, who then endorsed the case to the University Disciplinary Board (UDB).
As a result, cadets involved in the incident were placed on preventive suspension and instructed to refrain from attending ROTC training while awaiting the UDB’s final ruling.
SU-ROTC Secretary 2LT RJ B. Locsin Jr. said they are awaiting further sanctions by the university with expulsion among the considerations.
Moreover, the incident has brought attention to the ROTC training policies and the institutional processes for addressing misconduct allegations.
While the Weekly Sillimanian has reached out to SU-ROTC for an official interview, Locsin clarified that only the commandant may issue statements on behalf of the unit.
“Once the new commandant is available and decides to be interviewed, we will accordingly inform you,” Locsin stated in a follow-up response.
This is a developing story.
