Merchant marine cadet dies during physical exercise

MANILA, Philippines — A cadet of a merchant marine school in Calamba, Laguna died while doing physical exercises imposed by an upperclassman as punishment for an offense on Monday.

Vince Andrew delos Reyes, 19, was resting in the cadets’ barracks in Barangay Canlubang when his upperclassman, identified as alias Nathaniel, ordered him to perform physical drills.

Probers said Nathaniel imposed the punishment after Delos Reyes accidentally sent a thumbs-up sign on the group chat of the cadets.

While doing the exercises, Delos Reyes experienced difficulty in breathing and collapsed. He was rushed to an infirmary.

Doctors noticed the patient’s pulse getting weaker, prompting them to have Delos Reyes transferred to the Global Care Medical Center, where he was declared on arrival.

Officials of the training school reported the incident to the police on Tuesday.

Nathaniel was brought to the police station for questioning.