The Philippine Army on Friday confirmed the deaths of two male recruits during military training in Tarlac on May 26.

“Yes, we confirm itong pagkasawi ng dalawang recruit natin dito sa training command,” Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in an interview with DZRH's "Dos Por Dos."

Dema-ala said, citing initial reports, the two recruits collapsed during a midday formation and accounting activity, just a day after their training officially opened on May 25.

“Base sa nakuha nating initial report, nagkaroon sila ng formation at ang dalawang ito ay nag-collapse during that formation, nagkaroon sila ng accounting… sinugod kaagad doon sa Tarlac Provincial Hospital,” he said.

The trainees were members of CSC Class 806-2026 undergoing training under the School for Candidate Soldier of the Initial Military Training Group. The two recruits were from Mindanao and Tarlac.

Dema-ala said both trainees were declared dead later that evening, while authorities continue to await the final medical findings to determine the exact cause of death.

“Noong kinagabihan na, doon na na-declare na dead itong dalawa and sa ngayon ang inaantay natin ‘yung final report kung ano ba talaga ang cause ng kanilang pagkamatay,” he added.

The Army said there are currently “no indications of foul play,” noting that the incident happened during a regular formation activity in broad daylight.

“Walang physical indication na mayroong foul play na nangyari kasi nangyari ito during their formation, tanghaling tapat. And talagang pinagbabawal na natin ang anumang physical harm sa ating mga trainees,” Dema-ala said.

The Philippine Army is also reviewing the medical examination records of the recruits prior to the start of training as part of its internal investigation.

According to Dema-ala, the remains of the two recruits have already been returned to their respective families.

The Army extended its condolences to the families of the deceased trainees and assured them of assistance and support.

“Unang-una, tayo ay nakikiramay sa pamilya ng dalawang ito dahil sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari,” he said.

“Lahat ng suporta sa ngayon ay binibigay natin sa pamilya,” he added.

A separate investigation is also being conducted by the Philippine Army Training Command, while the immediate superiors of the deceased recruits have been placed on hold in their barracks pending the inquiry.

“A thorough and impartial investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the Army said in a statement.