Rappler's latest stories on Philippines military
[ANALYSIS] COVID-19 and civil-military relations in the PH: Getting the balance right
'While it is reasonable to say that the role of the AFP in the government’s COVID-19 response has been substantial, there are two risks that could affect civil-military relations during this pandemic period'
PMA adopts distancing to prevent COVID-19 – and hazing
The Philippine Military Academy has adopted segregation of classes since its reopening in mid-June
PMA Cadet Dormitorio’s family ‘dissatisfied’ with prosecutor’s resolution
'We only yearn for fair justice but at this juncture, we feel like we are already being deprived of it,' says the victim's brother after prosecutors dismissed charges against some suspects in Darwin Dormitorio's hazing and murder
2 cadets, 3 PMA doctors indicted for murder in Dormitorio death
Baguio prosecutors rule that although the doctors are not 'co-conspirators,' past cases support an indictment of murder 'by indispensable cooperation through acts of negligence'
[OPINION] The Philippine military and its hypocrisy
Who is the biggest recruiter for the communist movement? Surely the generals know?
‘Terror law’: The pet bill of the generals
‘You don’t deserve that kind of power. No one does,’ a farmers' party-list representative tells the military, referring to the proposed Anti-Terror Act of 2020, which is up for President Duterte's signature
LOOK: PMA prepares for safe arrival of incoming cadets amid pandemic
The incoming members of Class 2024 are subjected to health guidelines prescribed by the national government, including quarantine and PCR tests, before they head to the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio
[ANALYSIS] Philippine defense spending 2019: What’s in the data?
'The Philippines has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years, but a sharp slowdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic could upend planned defense spending'
Yet again, Duterte rewards PMA, PNPA valedictorians with house and lot
The class goat, the least-rated cadet from either academy, gets a gun from the Commander-in-Chief
5 female cadets make it to top 10 of PMA Masidlawin Class of 2020
Of the 196 members of the PMA Class of 2020, 23 are women
Meet the top 3 of PMA 'Masidlawin' Class of 2020
Cadet 1st Class Gemalyn Deocares Sugui, Cadet 1st Class Jade Campo Villanueva, and Cadet 1st Class Jefferson Yamson Salazar are from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, respectively
Female cadet from Isabela tops PMA ‘Masidlawin’ class of 2020
Cadet 1st Class Gemalyn Deocares Sugui and her 195 batchmates will graduate in a 'simple and private' ceremony as the Philippine Military Academy remains closed to the public – even to cadets' families – because of the coronavirus pandemic
Filipina graduates with honors from U.S. Naval Academy
‘I want to end my cadetship here at the USNA on a very good note. I’m not representing myself, I'm representing the Philippine military,’ says Midshipman First Class Mary Pauline Fornea
Parents can't attend PMA Class 2020 graduation rites on May 22
The graduation rites will be closed to the public, according to PMA spokesperson Marine Captain Cherryl Tindog
U.S. State Department approves possible sale of attack helicopters to PH
To give the Philippine military a much-needed boost in air power, the government is looking to buy 6 attack helicopters from US-based suppliers
Young military officer in Bulacan dies from respiratory disease
Army 2Lt Vince Magbanua is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 2018. 'He is looked up to by his superiors, peers and subordinates for his dedication, commitment, and idealism,' says the military
Young soldier killed while conducting coronavirus info drive, says military
The slain soldier, Private First Class Mark Nemis, belongs to the 301st 'Bayanihan' Infantry Brigade based in Camp Hernandez in Iloilo. He was only 24 years old.
[OPINION] Why is the military taking the lead in the National Action Plan?
The Bayanihan law that was signed to address the coronavirus directs a multi-pronged government strategy
Police, military 'helped syndicates' bring in P18.7 billion to Philippines
The Bureau of Customs says couriers of dirty money working for two criminal groups were able to waltz through airport security with police and military escorts
War with the NPA, war without end
From our archives: The Philippine military is treading dangerous waters with its counterinsurgency experiments
PMA to honor Lacson, Honasan
This year's PMA Alumni Homecoming on Saturday is a private affair because of the threat of the COVID-19
Duterte: Military to instill order if coronavirus outbreak becomes pandemic
Duterte also says that while the government was 'on top' of the coronavirus threat, doctors should work double-time to find a virus cure
PMA alumni homecoming postponed because of novel coronavirus
Originally set for February 14 and 15, the yearly event has been pushed back to February 22, says the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association
No lockdown in Baguio City, but PMA homecoming may still be postponed
A statement by defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana says Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered a citywide lockdown. Magalong, however, denies it.
Lorenzana favors postponing PMA alumni homecoming to avert novel coronavirus
'We deem it prudent to avoid situations where the health and safety of our cadets, PMA alumni, and their families are put at risk,' says the defense chief
Murder case filed vs alleged gunman in PMA imam killing
The Baguio City Prosecutor's Office identifies the gunman as 44-year-old Joselito Fernando Vidad
Quickie generals: The military's revolving door needs to be shut
(UPDATED) Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says the AFP ‘could have done better’ if its top commanders served for at least 3 years, instead of the usual one year or less
PMA fires swimming instructors of cadet who drowned during class
The civilian instructors are found guilty of 'negligence and imprudence' that led to the death of Cadet 4th Class Mario Telan Jr on November 8
Army appeals release of 31 arrested in crackdown on progressive groups
The 31 include 21 laid off workers of a bus company and 10 young members of a grassroots cultural group
Military nurse stabbed dead in Makati City
The suspect, John Louie Brosas, is a 19-year-old construction worker, whom the victim, 2nd Lieutenant Jennett Beron Aguilar, had been helping after taking pity on him
CA confirms Clement as AFP chief, Cusi as PMA superintendent
AFP chief Lt Gen Noel Clement believes martial law in Mindanao should no longer be extended beyond 2019
PMA cadet drowns, found in pool after swimming class
(UPDATED) Cadet 4th Class Mario Telan Jr was found 'in the 15-foot deep end of the pool' hours after his swimming class, says the Philippine Military Academy
PMA cadet dies of cancer – spokesperson
(UPDATED) Cadet 2nd Class Cedrick Gadia, from Candon, Ilocos Sur, dies of stage IV esophageal cancer on his father's birthday
Military chief disagrees with call to halt PMA cadet recruitment
This, after a lawmaker called for a yearlong ban on freshman enrollments at the country's premier military school, following reports of 27 alleged hazing cases including some recorded on video
WATCH: Hazing inside the PMA barracks
The videos prove that hazing 'happens in PMA,' the military says as it vows strong efforts to end the practice in the country's premier military school
7 PMA cadets tagged in Dormitorio’s death to be court martialed
Court martial proceedings will run parallel to criminal cases filed against the cadets accused of hazing, torturing, and murdering the 20-year-old plebe
When to quit
When does resignation become an act of courage and a show of character? When does it serve the greater good?
Highest-ranking PMA cadet resigns over Dormitorio's death
Cadet 1st Class Ram Michael Navarro, the brigade commander of the cadet corps or the class baron of PMA Masidlawin Class of 2020, cites command responsibility for his decision
Criminal complaints filed vs 7 suspects in PMA cadet Dormitorio's hazing death
'I would like to tell my brother, this is just Part I of the battle. We will not stop hanggang hindi napapanagot ang lahat,' says Dexter Dormitorio
[OPINION] Enough of words! Hazing needs no new solution
Every solution to hazing at the Philippine Military Academy has been tried and found wanting. What should be done?
PMA’s record of hazing deaths
(UPDATED) On the flipside of the Philippine Military Academy’s proud history of churning out military and police generals is a list of cadets who died as a result of hazing
Dormitorio family: We seek justice for Darwin, and more
‘We also want to preserve the reputation of the institution…. This is for the kids who want to join the academy in the future,’ says the victim's brother, Dexter Dormitorio
'Have heart and soul,' new PMA chief tells cadets
Rear Admiral Allan Cusi formally takes his post two weeks after the gruesome death of a cadet exposed the horrors of hazing within the Philippines' premier military school
Hazing? What hazing?
We are all under siege, all on trial over Darwin Dormitorio's death and over his classmates’ and schoolmates’ participation in the everyday steps that led him to his last vomit
Police probe shows Dormitorio’s life inside PMA was living hell
(UPDATED) Darwin Dormitorio was barely 21 days at the Philippine Military Academy when his ordeal – which would lead to his death – started
[OPINION] Fraternities are insecure men’s clubs
You have to be really insecure to want to sacrifice your morals just to make sure you have a safety blanket when you graduate
Brawner bares tools in PMA war vs hazing: Mental healthcare, honor code
Brigadier General Romeo Brawner, the new PMA Commandant of Cadets, bares his battle plan for his so-called war against hazing
AFP appoints new PMA superintendent, commandant of cadets
Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr 'declares war on hazing,' as the military grapples with the fatal hazing of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio
'Darwin died a hero': Hundreds pay tribute to PMA cadet in Cagayan de Oro
Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio dreamed to be a 'changemaker' – a dream many believe he achieved in his brief life
3rd PMA cadet hospitalized for suspected hazing – AFP
Three cadets from the country's premier military school are recuperating from injuries sustained from suspected hazing
