Cadet's loved ones preparing for his return when news of death came

Jonas Bondoc's family were preparing for his long-awaited homecoming to Butuan City when they received news that he had died.

According to Cedric Castillo's report on "24 Oras", his sister Glaiza said Jonas was looking forward to eating good food and the family was excited to see him.

"He was supposed to go home on July 7. He died on July 6. He was super excited to go home, as he missed eating good food," Glaiza said.

"We are all excited to see him. But we received a phone call that he was dead on arrival," she added.

Jonas was the cadet of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy who succumbed to injuries after he was allegedly punched twice by an upperclassman.

Bondoc was found lifeless in a comfort room of the PMMA on Tuesday morning, and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

"He is really a dreamer. Of all the siblings, he has the clearest goal. He used to narrate to our mother that he was on top of his class. And that she need not worry," Bondoc said.

Cadet Third Class Jomel Gloria posted bail on Thursday following the homicide charge filed against him.

Gloria admitted punching Bondoc twice, resulting in the victim collapsing and losing his consciousness.

Based on the autopsy, Bondoc died of blunt traumatic injury.

The family believed there was foul play in the death of Bondoc, and they are studying their legal options. —Jamil Santos/NB, GMA News