PNPA cadet dies due to heat stroke

A cadet of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, passed away on Saturday due to heat stroke, the academy said on Sunday.

In a statement, the PNPA said New Cadet Rafael Sakkam was admitted to the Qualimed Hospital in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, on June 7 after becoming unconscious during an afternoon road run.

Sakkam, who was confined in the intensive care unit, was declared dead at 6:01 p.m. on Saturday due to cardiac arrest.

Based on Sakkam’s medical certificate and final diagnosis, he died due to heat stroke.

To prevent similar incidents, the PNPA said its Commandant and Tactics Group implemented “tight measures” and “suitable interventions” to ensure that all cadets are sufficiently hydrated during summer training.

The PNPA said the needs of Sakkam were all provided by the PNPA Administration during his hospitalization until his burial on Sunday following strict Islamic tradition.

According to the PNPA, the family is requesting for their privacy as they mourn Sakkam’s passing.

“We would like to reassure the public that the 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,” the PNPA said.

The PNPA also called out social media pages for their supposedly inaccurate reports on Sakkam's death. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News