Suspect in death of PMMA cadet says punches were ‘lambing’

The suspect in the death of a Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) cadet whose body was found at the barracks in San Narciso, Zambales admitted punching the victim on the chest twice.

According to Cedric Castillo's report on "24 Oras" on Thursday, Cadet Third Class Jomel Gloria punched Cadet Fourth Class Jonas Bondoc as a "farewell" gesture as the latter was bound to go home to his hometown in Mindanao for a break.

"Scheduled mag-break 'yong victim, uuwi siya ng Mindanao, so sabi niya (Gloria), 'Matagal na tayong hindi magkikita kabayan so I'm happy for you. Makakauwi ka na sa atin. Good luck!' Parang ganoon. Parang, 'Pabaon ko lang ito, lambing lang,'" Zambales Police provincial director Police Colonel Romano Cardiño narrated Gloria's message.

"'Kaldag' nga ang tawag nila. Unang beses tapos tawanan sila. Tapos isang beses pa ulit, 'Oh, isa pa, isa!' 'Yon, 'pag 'kaldag' daw niya ng pangalawang beses, doon na daw nag-collapse," he added.

Bondoc was found dead early this week in a comfort room at the PMMA barracks.

Authorities earlier said there was no reported conflict between Bondoc and Gloria. The two were actually friends, they added.

A homicide complaint has been filed against Gloria.

He has already been removed as a cadet in the academy.

Meanwhile, investigation revealed this was not the first time Gloria "unintentionally" hurt a fellow cadet. He also punched Cadet Third Class Kent Soloveres in an earlier incident.

Agusan del Norte Representative Lawrence Fortun has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the incident.

Authorities already ruled out hazing in Bondoc's death.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News