The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) has urged graduates of the academy to remain calm, united, and non-partisan amid the issue involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a statement on Thursday, PMAAAI chairman and chief executive officer retired Gen. Ricardo David acknowledged that PMA graduates may hold different views on the matter, particularly as Dela Rosa is a member of the PMA Sinagtala Class of 1986.
“Such differences, however, should never diminish our mutual respect as brothers in the Corps,” said David, a former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, earlier sought the support of PMA cadets after the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest.
He has been named as one of the alleged co-perpetrators of former president Rodrigo Duterte in the crimes against humanity case before the ICC over the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
David said the alumni association remains guided by the principles of justice, due process, respect for the rule of law, and the independence of institutions.
“At this time, let us uphold the values that bind us together—honor, integrity, professionalism, and unity—while avoiding divisive rhetoric, personal attacks, and premature judgment,” he said.
He stressed that the PMA brotherhood must remain stronger than any differences among its members.
“Let us continue to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the PMA ideals we have sworn to uphold,” David said.