Maritime cadet dies after alleged punishment for sending thumbs-up emoji

MANILA, Philippines–A 19-year-old cadet at a maritime academy in Calamba City, Laguna, died on Monday after allegedly being punished for sending a thumbs-up emoji to a group chat, according to the Calabarzon Police Regional Office.

Cadet Vince Andrew Anihon Delos Reyes, from Brgy. Tagumpay in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, was declared dead on arrival at a hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing and collapsing in his cabin at the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA).

The incident occurred at 5:38 p.m. on July 8 in Cabin 121C at the academy in Brgy. Canlubang in Calamba City. It was reported to the authorities at about 3:50 a.m. the next day.

According to the initial investigation, Delos Reyes, along with the suspect, identified only as Nathaniel, and several witnesses, had finished their evening meal and were back in their cabin or barracks for personal time.

Around 5:30 p.m., Nathaniel ordered Delos Reyes to report to his cabin, where he instructed Delos Reyes to perform physical exercises as a consequence for the “offense” of accidentally sending a thumbs-up emoji to a group chat of the corps of cadets.

During the exercises, Delos Reyes reportedly experienced difficulty breathing and collapsed. Witnesses informed the cadet affairs management and brought him to the infirmary for medical treatment.

“During the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), they noticed that the victim was breathing and had a weak pulse, so they transferred and rushed him to Global Care Medical Center Canlubang for immediate medical attention,” according to the police report.

Despite efforts, Delos Reyes was declared dead on arrival at  6:49 p.m. by the attending physician, Dr. Fredirick Allen Herrera.

The suspect was immediately placed under arrest and turned over to the Calamba City Police Station for investigation and proper disposition.

The Calabarzon Police Regional Office is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

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