MANILA - The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Alumni Association said Tuesday the mauling incident involving cadets following graduation rites in Silang, Cavite last week is an "isolated incident."

In a statement, the PNPA Alumni Association Inc said beating up seniors in the academy is not a tradition, contrary to what PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said earlier.

"There is no tradition of hurting fellow cadets or any person for that matter. What happened was an isolated case and we do not condone such demeanor," the association said.

Dela Rosa earlier said the mauling of seniors by several underclassmen was an "on and off tradition" in the academy. But the PNP chief said this tradition that promotes a cycle of violence must stop.

The PNPA Alumni Association condemned the mauling incident, saying it has no place in the academy or in a civilized society. It said the cadets, if proven guilty, must face accountability.

READ: Official statement of the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Incorporated on the mauling incident at the PNPA @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/7TS1vLIcfW

— Bianca Dava (@biancadava) March 27, 2018

The PNPA yesterday said 9 cadets who allegedly inflicted injuries on 6 of their seniors, as identified by witnesses, will face criminal and administrative charges. A National Police Commission official also said those proven guilty face dismissal.

Some 20 other cadets will face administrative charges for their alleged involvement, PNPA Director Chief Supt. Joseph Adnol said.

• 9 PNPA cadets face charges for mauling incident
• Napolcom: PNPA cadets in mauling of seniors to be dismissed if guilty

The cadets reportedly waited for the end of the graduation rites on Wednesday before beating up their seniors. They reportedly harbored ill-feelings towards their upperclassmen for imposing strict rules on them.

-- report from Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News