MANILA - Six new graduates of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Academy suffered injuries after allegedly being beaten by their underclassmen just after the graduation rites last Wednesday.

Chief Supt. Joseph Adnol, director of the PNP Academy, said the mauling happened around 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. when the upperclassmen were on their way to the barracks.

"Kasi di ba graduation. They were having a procession with their parents, di ba. Tinaymingan na ma-separate sila, hinintay sila doon malapit sa barracks," Adnol told ABS-CBN News Sunday.

Adnol said the underclassmen allegedly punched and mauled their seniors using arnis stick and stones. The victims suffered head injuries and were immediately brought to the PNP Dispensary.

"Mukhang kinuyog ang lumabas e. Di ba may mga arnis sila, 'yung mga iba nakakuha ng ganon, 'yung iba may bato. May pamalo, may bato, kaya we consider it mauling talaga," he said.

The PNP Academy Director explained this was the group of underclassmen who harbored ill-feelings towards their upperclassmen for imposing strict rules on them.

“Group of underclass[men] na may personal na galit sa mga grumadweyt," Adnol said, adding that the PNPA Maragtas Class of 2018 was known for being hard on their underclassmen.

He said they are investigating the incident and are looking into 41 "cadets of interest." If found guilty, the cadets face possible expulsion from the academy.

Names of the persons involved were not yet divulged as the probe continues.

"It is an isolated case, and it is not a tradition as the cadet relationship ceased as the victims are already graduates and new inspectors," Adnol added.

There were 106 cadets who graduated from the PNP Academy last Wednesday in Silang, Cavite. The graduation rites of the Maragtas Class of 2018 was attended by President Rodrigo Duterte.