Initial findings show PMA cadet died from accidental drowning

BAGUIO CITY — Initial investigation into the Nov. 8 death of another cadet of the Philippine Military Academy could have been an accident.

Cadet Fourth Class Mario Telan Jr., who belongs to the same class as hazing victim Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, was found 15 feet under water at the deep end of the PMA swimming pool.

Police investigators so far did not see signs of foul play, said Police Col. Allen Rae Co, Baguio police director.

Telan was found by his classmates, who searched for him after he failed to return from his 11 a.m. swimming class, said Captain Cheryl Tindog, PMA spokesperson.

“Efforts were done to revive him and he was immediately transferred to Fort del Pilar Station Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician,” she said.

The police is now checking if there was “negligence on the part of the swimming instructors, who did not institute the necessary safety protocols during the conduct of the class and also of others, like cadets who were supposed to account for everyone after the activity,” Co said.

“We are still collating all data and studying thoroughly the security camera footages,” he said.

They will also wait for the results of an autopsy that would be conducted.

Telan is the third cadet to die this year.

Dormitorio died on Sept. 18 from injuries inflicted by a series of beatings. Seven cadets have been charged for his hazing and murder, while top PMA officials have been charged for dereliction of duty that resulted in a fatality./lzb

On Oct. 28, Cadet Second Class Cedrick Gadia died from esophageal cancer at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Hospital, where he had been confined.

“PMA deeply grieves for this unfortunate loss of one of our sons. All necessary assistance will be extended to the bereaved family and loved ones of Cadet Telan,” Tindog said./lzb