A 19-year-old Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet died on Monday, roughly a month after he entered the country’s premier military academy.
Erwin Christian Vergara was admitted to the Baguio General Hospital’s intensive care unit on April 25 because of weakness, and blood in his feces. He died of “hypovolemic shock secondary to gastrointestinal bleeding,” ABS-CBN News reports.
According to PMA Commanding Officer Col. Maria Sheila Jardiolin, Vergara’s death could have been prevented by early consultation. The fourth-class cadet had already been experiencing stomach pains for three years prior to entering the academy.
The PMA said that Vergara was not mistreated during the plebe training. There were no visible bruises or markings in the young cadet’s body.
Vergara’s family waived the autopsy suggested by PMA officials. The PMA gave Vergara full military honors. His family will receive financial assistance.
