Title

PHYSICAL HARASSMENT ENCOUNTERED BY ADVANCED OFFICER OF RESERVED OFFICER TRAINING CORPS:
A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Author(s)

ADE, JEYPEE B.

ANGGAM, ANGELITO Y.

IYOG, JAYREL FAITH M.

ATAD, HIEZEL R.

Affiliation

MISAMIS UNIVERSITY

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science In Criminology

Contributor

CULANAG JR., TEOPISTO Y. - ADVISER

DANIEL, EDMAR R. - PANEL MEMBER

GUPIT, ELMA FE E. - PANEL MEMBER

CUEVAS , JOSE JR. F. - CHAIRMAN

ORONG, MARKDY Y. - INSTRUCTOR

Year

2026

Abstract

Physical harassment within the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) remains a sensitive yet significant issue that can affect leadership development, organizational culture, and the well-being of its members. Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenology was used to analyze qualitative data from in-depth interviews with ROTC Advanced Officers in Misamis University. Physical harassment in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a touchy but important concern that can impact leadership formation, organizational culture, and members' well-being. Whereas earlier research has tended to survey the experiences of lower-level cadets, little research examines what advanced officers have to say on the matter, as they are tasked to maintain discipline and act as role models within the program. This research sought to explore and explain the lived experiences of ROTC senior officers who had experienced physical harassment. Data were collected from 5–10 purposively chosen participants using in-depth interviewing and thematic analysis. Results indicated common themes that included power imbalance, normalization of physical punishment, emotional and psychological effects, and the tension between leadership and personal vulnerability. In spite of all these difficulties, the participants also identified resilience and coping mechanisms by which they were able to continue performing their functions. The findings of this study are useful in the expansion of knowledge regarding the dynamics of harassment in the context of ROTC units and can provide a foundation for creating better policies, protective measures, and leadership training programs aimed at creating a safer and more supportive environment.

Keywords

coping mechanisms, leadership development, physical harassment, policy recommendations, vulnerability