Baguio City, Philippines – In a tragic turn of events, William Dormitorio, the father of hazing victim Darwin Dormitorio, passed away just weeks before the court delivered its verdict in his son’s fatal hazing case. William, a retired lieutenant colonel and a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1974, died in July at the age of 75 due to cardiac arrest. His passing has left the Dormitorio family in deep grief, compounded by the loss of their son, Darwin, who was a cadet at the PMA.
Darwin Dormitorio, who was only 20 years old, died from severe injuries inflicted during a hazing ritual in 2019. His death marked the first fatality under the Anti-Hazing Act (R.A. 11053), which was signed into law by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018.
On August 16, 2024, the Baguio Regional Trial Court Branch 5, presided over by Judge Ligaya Itliong-Rivera, found three former PMA cadets guilty in connection with Darwin’s death. Shalimar Imperial Jr. and Felix Lumbag Jr. were convicted of murder, while Julius Carlo Tadena was found guilty of violating the Anti-Hazing Law. All three were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, facing up to 40 years in prison.
The verdict, which the Dormitorio family had long awaited, came too late for William, who had tirelessly fought for justice for his son. His daughter, Dennica Dormitorio, expressed her gratitude on Facebook, writing, "A Life for a Life. Salamat Lord and to everyone who supported us in this fight! All our sacrifices and tears paid off! Salamat ginoo."
The conviction has brought a measure of closure to the family and the community, who have rallied around the Dormitorios throughout their ordeal. Sofia Abas Glymer Hibaya commented, "Justice is served. God is good," while Jocelyn Dormitorio added, "Thank You LORD GOD sa katubagan sa mga pag ampo nga nahatagan jud og Hustisya ang kamatayon ne Darwin Dioso Dormitorio."
As Baguio City reflects on the long struggle for justice, the community continues to mourn the loss of both Darwin and his father, William, who dedicated his final years to seeking justice for his beloved son.