Aspiring soldier found dead in Fort Magsaysay

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, NUEVA ECIJA – A 26-year-old man from South Cotabato was found floating in the Pahingahan reservoir inside this vast military reservation on Tuesday(Aug. 14), according to a belated police report on Friday (Aug. 17).

Applicant Eric Fores of Norala town, who was applying to become an Army soldier, was in an “advanced state of decomposition” when found in the middle of the dam at 11:30 a.m.

Forensic investigators said the remains showed no sign of foul play. Fores’s father, a police officer, did not pursue an autopsy.

Private First Class Ronals Alorro informed the police that Fores was allowed to take a bath at the Bachelors Officer Quarter at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 12). He did not return.

Soldiers started searching for Fores at the dam when they learned that a kayak was missing, and found the body, Alorro said. ARMAND GALANG