The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has confirmed on Monday the death of one of its cadets during a practical swim test at their training facility in The Basic School, Ternate, Cavite.
In an interview, PMC Public Affairs Office Captain Marites Alamil said candidate soldier (CS) Joel Jimena suddenly collapsed while swimming at around 8 a.m. last Wednesday, June 26. He was immediately given CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) among other lifesaving measures to no avail.
“During this kind of training, we ensure the safety of our trainees that’s why we have an ambulance, medical officers on standby… When we noticed that CS Jimena collapsed, he was immediately taken to the shoreline through a life ring and a lifesaver,” she said partly in Tagalog.
According to Alamil, Jimena was rushed to the San Lorenzo Ruiz Hospital in Naic, Cavite, but was declared dead on arrival at 8:30 a.m. that day. His family requested an autopsy from the Philippine National Police-Scene of Crime Operation (PNP-SOCO) to determine the cause of his death.
The PMC is also conducting its own investigation. “We will take [the] necessary actions regarding this incident aside from the investigation of the SOCO. We are also awaiting the results of the autopsy,” said Alamil.
According to the PMC, Jimena was in good health and condition before he underwent the training. Alamil also clarified that no hazing occurred, based on the statements of his classmates, and the cadet’s death was being viewed as an accident.
“His colleagues said there was no (sign of) physical (abuse) or torture, but its more on physical conditioning—their swim test. We are viewing it as purely an accident, but our investigation is still ongoing,” Alamil said.
The remains of Jimena, a member of the 503rd Marine Basic Course, have been brought back to Oas, Albay. PMC is the naval infantry force under the command of the Philippine Navy.