PNPA cadet dies of heat stroke

A newly entered cadet of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) died of heat stroke during their initial training at the police campus in Silang, Cavite.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Cadet Fourth Class Kenneth Ross Alvarado suddenly collapsed while participating in evening mess formation at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
 
Quoting a report from the PNPA, Banac said Alvarado was taken to the Academy Health Service and later to the Qualimed Hospital in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna due to difficulty in breathing.
 
“The cadet was in the hospital at about 6:05 p.m. and appropriate medical intervention was immediately given to the patient cadet unfortunately, he didn't make it and was declared dead at 9:56 p.m.,” said Banac.
 
“His mother was also in the hospital after she learned of the incident,” he added.
 
Alvarado’s father is a member of the PNPA Class of 1992.
 
Alvarado was a member of the PNPA Class 2024 consisting of 254 males and 52 females. Their reception rite was held on July 3.
 
Banac said PNP Chief Gen. Archie Garmboa has ordered an investigation into the incident, in order to avoid similar incidents in the future.
 
For his part, PNPA Director Maj. Gen. Jose "Chiquito" Malayo  said they have already started taking initiatives to further ensure the safety of the PNPA students.
 
Among these initiatives are mandatory intake of minimum 10 glasses of water of all cadets; providing two canteen cups filled with water in bandolier as part of their uniform; drills are momentarily in the shaded area for the moment; and progressive exercises will be in two parts -- three rounds (600 m/round) around the parade ground in the first day  then four rounds after three days.