PMA confirms death of another cadet; body found in campus swimming pool

The PMA said it is coordinating with the Baguio City Police in conducting a thorough investigation “to determine the events that transpired leading to this incident.” (File Photo: PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY/Facebook)

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) confirmed on Friday, November 8, the death of one of its cadets, with the body found at the bottom of the campus swimming pool in Baguio City.

“PMA deeply grieves for this unfortunate loss of one of our sons,” the PMA said in a statement.

According to the institution, Cadet 4th Class Mario Telan, Jr. of Alpha Company of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) attended his swimming class from 11 a.m. – 12 n.n. and since then, he did not appear in his succeeding classes.

After carrying out a search for Telan, they found him in the 15-foot deep end of the pool.

He was immediately rushed to Fort del Pilar Station Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The PMA said it is coordinating with the Baguio City Police in conducting a thorough investigation “to determine the events that transpired leading to this incident.”

“All needed actions and protocols are being undertaken to deal with any infraction and/or irregularity,” it added.

It also said “all necessary assistance” will be given to Telan’s family.

Until the case is resolved, the campus temporarily halted all swimming classes of the cadets.

Telan was the third cadet who died since the last two months.

His death came more than a week after Cadet 2nd Class Cedrick Gadia succumbed to his battle with cancer last October 28 and more than a month after Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio died on September 18, after sustaining alleged hazing-related injuries.