PMA cadet shot trying to prevent robbery remains in coma

A graduating cadet of the Philippine Military Academy remained in a coma Monday after he was shot last Saturday noon while attempting to prevent a robbery aboard a passenger jeep in Fairview, Quezon City.

 

In a press briefing, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said that Cadet First Class Alfonso Aviles had successfully undergone an operation at the AFP Medical Center in Quezon City which removed a bullet lodged in his head.

 

“Cadet Aviles, right now, is unconscious. He is comatose and confined at the Intensive Care Unit. Since the incident occurred, he has not spoken (about the robbery),” said Burgos of the 23-year-old cadet.

 

A number of PMA cadets, including Aviles, had been tasked to go to Metro Manila last Wednesday to serve as proctors in last Sunday’s PMA entrance examinations. They were billeted at the AFP Medical Center, said Burgos.

 

The spokeman explained that the proctors had nothing scheduled last Saturday, so their superior officer gave them "privilege" or free time to do with as they will. The official said Aviles chose to visit his parents in San Jose Del Monte town in Bulacan.

 

While on the way back to his billeting area, a robbery was suddenly declared on the passenger jeep the cadet was riding. 

 

Aviles attempted to disarm the pistol-wielding robber and was shot in the neck with the bullet lodging itself in his head. 

 

He was initially rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center, also in Quezon City, before being transferred to the military hospital.

 

“As of now, Cadet Aviles is still under close monitoring following his successful operation on Saturday night. He is currently being monitored for any intracranial pressure,” said Burgos, adding Aviles is expected to remain at the ICU for one week with no further surgeries needed.

 

Burgos hailed Aviles’ “selfless deed” of attempting to prevent a robbery. “Cadet Aviles is just one of the many dedicated and committed soldiers of the AFP who risk their lives every day so that others may live in a peaceful and secure environment,” he said.

 

Likewise, Burgos appealed to all concerned individuals to cooperate with authorities so that the perpetrator can be arrested and brought to justice.

 

“The AFP calls on those who have information that could help identify and capture the suspect in the robbery hold-up. Their cooperation is important in ensuring that justice is achieved,” the military official said. — DVM, GMA News