A 4th class cadet of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) was found dead in the bottom of the academy's swimming pool on Friday afternoon (November 8). The cadet was identified as Mario Telan Jr. He is the third cadet from the military school to die in the last few months. Telan Jr. was a classmate of Darwin Dioso Dormitorio, the cadet who died last September due to hazing.
Telan Jr. was reportedly found already lifeless at the deep end of the swimming pool by his classmates. The incident is believed to be an accidental drowning. However, the police are investigating if there is any foul play involved.
Telan attended a swimming class at 11:00 am which ended at noon. When he failed to show up for his succeeding classes, his classmates started looking for him. After an hour-long search, they found him at the pool.
Telan was rushed to the station hospital inside the academy where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
"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 4th Class Telan," the academy said in a statement.