Army recruit dies from heat exhaustion in Isabela

CITY OF ILAGAN—- An Army recruit died on Friday, June 8, from heart attack triggered by heat exhaustion, a day after he and 250 other potential soldiers began their six-month Candidate Soldiers’ Course at the 5^th Infantry Division training grounds in Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu town.

Julius Hermando collapsed on Thursday afternoon (June 7) after doing a set of rigorous exercises. He was brought to the nearest hospital but died on Friday morning, said Captain Noriel Tayaban, 5^th Infantry Division acting public affairs officer.

During the opening program on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Perfecto Rimando, 5^th Infantry Division commander, said the recruits include 46 college graduates of which nine completed a criminology course. The recruits also include a mechanical engineer and another with a degree in education.

“The training you are to undergo was designed to test your limits mentally and physically. If you are fit to become regular members of the Philippine Army, push yourself as you pursue for excellence. You will never know your limits until you push yourself closer to them,” Rimando said in his speech.   /muf