MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said 49 cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) have been charged and sanctioned in connection with alleged hazing incidents inside the academy.

“Forty-nine were charged and seven were under arrest,” Remulla said during the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel forum.

In a report, it said that Remulla added that 42 cadets were dismissed from the academy after being found guilty of dishonesty for failing to report the alleged hazing incident to authorities.

According to initial reports, more than 20 fourth class cadets were injured in an incident that occurred inside the academy on Good Friday, April 3.

The Philippine National Police earlier said the victims allegedly suffered burns and other injuries after being exposed to a mixture of drain cleaner and muriatic acid.

Authorities initially arrested three suspects, while four others were later identified in connection with the case.

Following the incident, the PNPA director and eight other officials were relieved from their posts.

Criminal charges were filed against seven PNPA cadets and two police officers.

Initial findings indicated that the hazing incident stemmed from an internal issue involving a cadet who had intended to resign, with underclassmen allegedly punished after being blamed for the situation.

A separate hazing incident inside the academy was also reported on April 19, where two cadets allegedly sustained bruises on their feet after being struck by two upperclassmen.

Both cadets involved in the second incident were placed in custody as investigations continue.