PNPA Cadet, binawian ng buhay sa araw ng “Reception Rites”; suspetsa ng mga doktor, heat stroke

- A newly-admitted PNPA cadet died after collapsing during the noon meal break on the day of the “Reception Rites

- Ryan B. Lucena, 22, passed away on May 7, 2025, two days after collapsing during a training activity at the PNPA in Silang, Cavite

- Lucena lost consciousness during the noon break on May 5 and was diagnosed with heat stroke before being transferred to PNP General Hospital

- The incident transpired soon after the Oath-Taking Ceremony and Reception Rites for PNPA Class 2029, where Lucena was among the new cadets

Ryan B. Lucena, 22, a native of from Peñablanca, Cagayan and one of the newly admitted cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), tragically passed away on May 7, 2025, two days after collapsing during a training activity.

His death occurred at approximately 2:54 p.m. at the PNP General Hospital (PNPGH) in Quezon City.

The incident unfolded shortly after the Oath-Taking Ceremony and Reception Rites for the PNPA Class of 2029, held on May 5, 2025, at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.

Lucena was among the 310 new cadets formally entering the academy, embarking on a rigorous four-year training program designed to prepare them as commissioned officers of the Philippine National Police.

The reception rites, a demanding tradition, involve intense physical and mental challenges administered by upperclass cadets to formally welcome the neophytes into the Cadet Corps.

According to the PNPA, Lucena lost consciousness during the noon meal break on May 5.

He was immediately transported to the Academy Health Service, where he was initially diagnosed with heat stroke.

Due to the severity of his condition, he was subsequently transferred to the PNPGH. Upon arrival at the hospital, Lucena suffered cardiac arrest and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Medical professionals later cited cardiogenic shock, intractable hyperkalemia, acute kidney injury, and rhabdomyolysis nephropathy as the causes of his death.

On the day of the incident, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded a heat index ranging from 27°C to 32°C in Silang, Cavite.

This range falls under the “caution” category, indicating that prolonged exposure to such conditions could lead to heat cramps or heat exhaustion.

The academy’s training environment, particularly during reception rites, often involves strenuous physical activity which can exacerbate the risks associated with elevated temperatures.

The untimely death of Cadet Lucena brings renewed focus on the health and safety protocols within police and military academies, particularly concerning heat-related illnesses during demanding training periods.

The PNPA has previously faced similar challenges, with past incidents of cadets succumbing to heat stroke during training, prompting the academy to implement measures such as ensuring sufficient hydration and adjusting training schedules.

Lucena’s remains were repatriated to his hometown in Peñablanca, Cagayan, on May 8, where his family and community mourned his passing.

The PNPA has extended its condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing their commitment to cadet welfare.

The academy’s leadership is expected to conduct a thorough review of the incident to identify any contributing factors and further reinforce preventive measures to safeguard its cadets.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a fire in Malolos, Bulacan early Wednesday morning claimed the lives of a couple and their two children. The family’s 15-year-old child survived the blaze but sustained injuries. The fire broke out around 4:00 a.m. and was extinguished within 30 minutes. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Still in other news, motovlogger Yanna was found guilty by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of traffic violations. The LTO ruled against Alyannah Mari Aguinaldo, known as “Yanna,” for reckless driving and operating a motorcycle without side mirrors in a viral Zambales incident. Yanna faces a total of P7,000 in fines, and her license remains suspended until she surrenders the motorcycle used in the incident. The agency also criticized her failure to appear at hearings and surrender the motorcycle, deeming it disrespectful to legal procedures and regulatory authority.

Source: KAMI.com.gh