CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – A 19-year-old maritime academy cadet died after he was ordered by an upper classman to exercise as punishment for a violation in a maritime school in Barangay Canlubang, this city, on Monday afternoon, July 8.
Police identified the victim as Cadet Vince Andrew de Los Reyes, a resident of Concepcion, Tagumpay, Baco, Oriental, Mindoro.
Investigation said the victim was asked to report by the suspect, Nataniel, after dinner to his cabin to discuss the violation – accidentally messaging to the group chat of the Corps of Cadets with a thumb up.
Delos Reyes complied and was ordered to perform physical exercise as punishment. However, the victim had difficulty breathing and held onto the bed bunk then suddenly collapsed.
Four witnesses effected a citizen’s arrest against the suspect and the victim was taken to the infirmary for first aid.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was applied on the victim but had difficulty in breathing and weak pulse.
Delos Reyes was taken to the Global Care Medical Center in Laguna where he was declared dead by the attending doctor Fredirick Allen Herrera.
The suspect was turned over to the Calamba police station for investigation and proper disposition. Nataniel faces a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.