By Martin Sadongdong
A third year cadet of the Philippine Military Academy died of esophageal cancer on Monday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City, the academy confirmed.
Philippine Military Academy (PMA Facebook page / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, the PMA said it mourns the passing of 23-year-old Cadet 2nd Class Cedrick Gadia, who died while under hospital care at 5:15 a.m.
According to the academy, Gadia was first admitted at the Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital (FDPSH) in Baguio City on August 29, 2019.
He was then evacuated to AFP Medical Center on September 5 for further tests until he was diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer with liver and lung metastasis.
" PMA is deeply saddened for this unfortunate loss, and extends our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Cdt 2CL Gadia," the PMA said.
Captain Cheryl Tindog, PMA spokesperson, said there is an annual physical examination for PMA cadets but the symptoms of Gadia's cancer only manifested recently.
"Ang explanation naman po sa akin ng doctor namin usually kapag young pa hindi daw po talaga lumalabas kaagad 'yung symptoms niyan pero sa family po talaga ni Cadet Gadia meron po talagang link, parang familial history na may ganoon po sila (The doctor said that usually the symptoms don't occur for young patients but it turned out that it was in the family history of Cadet Gadia)," Tindog said.
As of writing, Gadia's remains were still at the AFP Medical Center as PMA continued to arrange for his transfer to his hometown in Candon, Ilocos Sur which was requested by his father.
"We will continue to assist him and his family to accord one of our own sons and members of the AFP with the due honor that befits him," the PMA said.