MANILA — A cadet of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) died while undergoing summer training program within the school’s vicinity in Silang, Cavite due to heatstroke.
Lt. Col. Byron Allatog, PNPA spokesperson, identified on Thursday the victim as Cadet 4th Class Al Rasheed Pendatun Macadato, 21, a native of Kalilangan, Bukidnon.
Macadato was doing a road run when he collapsed around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday. He was immediately picked up by an ambulance and was rushed to PNPA Medical Dispensary.
He was later transferred to the Qualimed Hospital in Sta. Rosa Laguna and was declared dead around 5 a.m. on Wednesday.
Allatog said Macadato has been undergoing training for the past 10 days.
For his part, PNPA director Brig. Gen. Chiquito Malayo said the attending physicians had already ruled out possible hazing against Macadato, which could have caused his death.
“The New Cadet Summer Training Package being used is the same of the previous years following a progressive or increasing timeline in runs, push-ups and pull ups,” he explained.
“The other factor affecting the training packet now is the hot weather thus, new cadets are required by their squad leaders to drink 12-14 glasses or more per day,” he added.
Malayo, however, assured the family of due assistance and a thorough investigation will be conducted in order to determine the extent of the whole training schedule and if lapses are evident. (PNA)
