KIANGAN, Ifugao – A pilot from this town allegedly died while undergoing training with the Philippine Navy on July 22.

Aldwayne Agnaonao Bunoan Dulnuan’s family alleged that he was subjected to torture during training.

During the first day of the traditional Ifugao vigil, or bohwat, on July 26 in Barangay Huliaban here, his family said they have yet to receive an official public explanation from the Philippine Navy regarding the circumstances of his death.

The family said they are seeking the truth and called on authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

“We are asking for the truth,” family members said, stressing that every unanswered question has deepened their grief.

The family appealed to authorities to determine the exact cause of death through a credible inquiry and ensure accountability should any lapses or wrongdoing be established.

Their appeal has gained support from members of the Cordillera community, who have expressed solidarity with the bereaved family while urging authorities to maintain transparency throughout the investigation.

A Cordillera-based vlogger wrote an open letter to Rear Admiral Karl A. Decapia, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command, raising questions about the training conditions, the sequence of events leading to Dulnuan’s death, and the medical response provided during the incident.

The vlogger called on the Philippine Navy to conduct an independent investigation, preserve all relevant evidence, protect potential witnesses, and publicly disclose the findings.

Supporters described Dulnuan as a healthy, disciplined, and dedicated individual who aspired to serve the country, saying his untimely death has devastated both his family and the wider community.

The Philippine Navy has yet to release official findings on the cause of Dulnuan’s death as of posting time.