A MARITIME academy student died after he was ordered by a superior officer to perform physical exercises as punishment over an “offense” in Laguna last Monday, police disclosed yesterday.
Calabarzon police regional office spokesperson Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran named the victim as Cadet Vince Andrew Delos Reyes, 19, a cadet at the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy in Barangay Canlubang, Calamba City.
Gaoiran said the suspect, identified only as Nataniel, was arrested and is facing a case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
Gaoiran said Nataniel had dinner with Delos Reyes and several other cadets at the suspect’s cabin at around 5 p.m. last Monday. After that, the cadets returned to their barracks.
At around 5:30 p.m., Nataniel ordered Delos Reyes to report to his cabin. Three other cadets were there at that time.
Gaoiran said the victim was summoned for accidentally posting a thumbs-up emoji in the chat group of the corps of cadets.
Gaoiran said Delos Reyes was later ordered to perform “physical exercises.” Gaoiran did not say the physical exercises the victim was asked to do.
“However, he (had) difficulty in breathing and held on the bed bunk, then suddenly collapsed,” said Gaoiran.
Delos Reyes was brought to the academy’s infirmary where a cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed but was later taken to the Global Care Medical Center Canlubang because he had a weak pulse.
Delos Reyes was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, Dr. Fredirick Allen Herrera, at 6:49 p.m., said Gaoiran.
Nataniel was arrested and is under the custody of the Calamba City police station “for investigation and proper disposition.”
