The drowning of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Fourth Class Cadet Mario Telan Jr. led to the dismissal of two swimming instructors.
On charges of negligence and imprudence in the conduct of the course, “Fundamentals of Swimming”, faculty member Robert Bete and contractual employee Antonio Catalan lost their jobs.
PMA spokesperson Capt. Cheryl Tindog said Bete, who was as a regular employee could have his service eligibility revoked, his retirement benefits forfeited, be perpetually barred from any public office and prevented from taking civil service exams, all subject to the approval of Civil Service Commission (CSC).
Catalan, who was immediately terminated, was recommended for cancellation of his civil service eligibility, prevented from taking civil service examinations, be barred from ever working for the government, and seek public office.
Others being investigated due to the incident were two 4th Class Cadet classmates who were tasked to account for their fellow students during the swimming class, and the head of the Sports and Physical Development Unit.
Telan was unaccounted for in his next classes after his swimming class was over by noontime, which prompted for a search.
He was later discovered unconscious in the 15-foot deep end of the swimming pool and was immediately rushed to the Fort del Pilar Station Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.
Based on CCTV evidence, the academe stressed that the cadet’s demise was an accident as it showed the victim diving into the deep part of the pool unnoticed by his classmates who were taking an examination. (Jojo Mangahis)