PMA plebe dies after 20-foot fall

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — A 19-year-old plebe of the Philippine Military Academy died due to skull fracture and massive cerebral hemorrhage he suffered in a 20-foot fall on Tuesday afternoon.

The death of fourth class cadet Abigail Manuel Tolentino dampened what could have been a ecstatic mood in the country’s premier military training institution which is girding for its graduation ceremonies this Saturday.

Navy Lt. Alvin Lopez, the PMA’s public information officer, said Tolentino was helping install the lighting for the Ring Hop of PMA Class 2005 at the ceiling of the Yap Hall at about 2:30 p.m. when he lost his balance and fell.

Lopez said Tolentino, who hailed from Kabacan, North Cotabato, was given initial treatment at Fort del Pilar Hospital and was then rushed to the Baguio General Hospital for an emergency operation to remove a blood clot in his brain. The plebe died at 4:30 p.m.

Lt. Senior Grade Marissa Andres, Tolentino’s tactical officer, reportedly accompanied the unconscious cadet when he was brought to the Baguio General Hospital. It was Brig. Gen. Leopoldo Maligalig, PMA commandant of cadets, who signed the consent form for his operation.

Tolentino’s remains now lie in state at the Fort del Pilar chapel while PMA officials await the arrival of his parents.

At about 6:30 p.m. today, the 149 graduating cadets will officially receive their bull rings during the Ring Hop ceremonies.