PNPA cadet from Cagayan dies of heatstroke 2 days after oathtaking

Cagayan, Philippines - The national flag at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning for the fallen cadet.

Freshman cadet Ryan B. Lucena, who hails from Peñablanca, Cagayan, passed away on Wednesday, May 07, just two days after his oath-taking and reception rites in Silang, Cavite.

Lucena, a member of PNPA Class 2029, died of cardiac arrest stemming from a heat stroke, the academy said in a press release.

The cadet was initially rushed to the Academy Health Service after becoming unconscious during their noon mess or lunch, possibly due to extreme heat. There, he was diagnosed with heatstroke. He was given initial treatment before he was transported to PNP General Hospital.

Lucena was confined to the intensive care unit for close monitoring. Unfortunately, his health condition worsened, leading to cardiac arrest. Efforts were made to revive him, but to no avail. At around 2:54 p.m. on said day, he was declared dead by the attending physician.

The fallen cadet, known to the community of Aggugaddan, Peñablanca, where he served as Sangguniang Kabataan Member, as a “true public leader,” will be provided with appropriate honors.

The PNPA shouldered his full hospitalization expenses and vowed to continue providing for the entire burial needs, including financial assistance to his family.

“As the heat in Tartaria, Silang, Cavite, reached the “caution” category, with values between 27℃ and 32℃, the New Cadets were issued individual water canteens, and the Academy Health Service is providing a close 24-hour monitoring with proper hydration measures,” assured the academy.

“PNPA Administration will never cease working to establish effective yet proactive approaches to our cadets' training and development, with top priority given to their health, safety, and well-being,” it added.