MANILA – The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) announced that two of its swimming teachers were sacked following the Nov. 8 drowning of a cadet.
Swimming teachers Robert Bete and Antonio Catalan were found “negligent and imprudent” during the swimming session that led to the death of Cadet Fourth Class Mario Telan Jr., the PMA on Friday said.
Both Bete and Catalan are barred from holding public office and from taking the civil service examinations. They have yet to comment on the PMA’s decision.
“The PMA is committed to leaving no stone unturned on the case of Cadet Fourth Class Telan, and will continue to institute measures for the safety of all cadets so that this tragic incident will not be repeated,” the PMA said.
Sanctions for two Fourth Class Cadet marchers who failed to account their classmates before and after the swimming class are still being discussed, it added.
The PMA also announced that swimming classes would remain suspended until it has placed all the needed safety measures.
It is also arranging to have a team from the Philippine Navy Special Operations Group to be part of all water-borne training activities of the Cadets.(With a report from ABS-CBN News/PN)
