PMA says two swim instructors at fault in cadet’s death

November 22, 2019

BAGUIO CITY – Two civilian instructors showed negligence and imprudence that led to the drowning of Fourth Class Cadet Mario Telan Jr. at the swimming pool on November 8, said Captain Cherryl Tindog, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) spokesperson.

Robert Bete, a regular civilian employee of the PMA has been recommended for dismissal with penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and barred from taking civil service examinations.

Antonio Catalan, a job-order employee, was terminated by the PMA and recommended to the Civil Service Commission for cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and barred from taking civil service exams.

These sanctions were based by the PMA, Tindog said, from Rule 10, Section 46 of Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service i.e. for Gross Neglect of Duty.

Sanctions for shortcomings of the two Fourth Class Cadet “marchers” who according to Tindog, “were responsible for accounting their classmates before and after the swimming class,” as well as the head of the Sports and Physical Development Unit (SPDU) are being deliberated for immediate implementation.

Two cadets and head of the PMA SPDU were not named by Tindog.

Tindog said swimming classes in all levels remain suspended until all safety measures are in place. DMS