Remains of drowned cadet to be flown to Cagayan hometown – PMA

The remains of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet who drowned in the academy’s swimming pool on Friday would be flown back to his hometown of Enrile, Cagayan, Academy Spokesperson Captain Cheryl Tindog said on Saturday.

Speaking on a Metro Manila news radio station, Tindog said that the bereaved family would accompany Cadet 4th Class Mario Telen Jr.’s body.

The PMA also conducted arrival honors for Telen on Saturday when his body was returned from the mortuary.

Tindog said the PMA administration was investigating the circumstances of Telen’s death.

“‘Yung ating investigation ay nagpapatuloy. We are questioning the personalities involved doon sa incident to see kung ano ‘yung mga irregularities for [filing of] administrative case,” she said.

Telen was found dead in the 15-foot deep section of the PMA pool during his swimming class.

“Ang pamunuan po ng PMA ay ni-review na po namin ang mga CCTV footage po natin [...] Ang activity po nila that time is scheduled practical examination ng kanilang swimming class,” Tindog said.

“Doon sa footage ay nakita po natin na nag-perform po siya ng lahat ng mga activities and ‘yun nga po, na-note natin from the footage na sa practice time pa lang nila, hindi proficient sa swimming skills si Telen,” she added.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The PMA earlier ruled out foul play in the cadet’s death.  — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News