The Philippine Army said two candidate soldiers undergoing military training at the School for Candidate Soldiers under the Training Command in Capas, Tarlac, died from “severe heat stroke and related complications“ caused by extreme physical exertion under high temperatures.
In a statement, the Army confirmed with “profound sadness” the deaths of Candidate Soldiers Johndyl L. Lemosniro of New Corella, Davao del Norte, and Junel L. Flores of Lamitan City, Basilan.
According to official medical certificates issued by attending physicians, both trainees suffered severe health complications caused by “extreme physical exertion in high temperatures.”
It also said the two recruits experienced Exertional Heat Related Injury or heat stroke, a severe medical emergency in which the body dangerously overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures combined with intense physical activity.
Medical findings showed that the trainees also suffered secondary complications, including changes in mental state and behavior, agitation, restlessness, delirium, seizures, coma, and multiple electrolyte imbalances.
The Army said both trainees eventually “succumbed to brain complications and swelling,“ medically identified as encephalopathy, which doctors confirmed resulted directly from severe heat stroke.
Based on the initial investigation, the recruits experienced health complications during military training due to extreme physical exertion under high temperatures.
The Philippine Army emphasized that “immediate medical intervention was provided“ after the trainees showed symptoms. Both were rushed to the Camp O'Donnell Medical Treatment Facility (CODMTF), where medical personnel performed endotracheal intubation to secure their airways and assist breathing, as they were already unconscious and in critical condition.
The trainees were later transferred to the Tarlac Provincial Hospital for advanced laboratory examinations and intensive treatment.
“Because they were unconscious and in critical condition, medical staff immediately performed endotracheal intubation to secure their airways and assist their breathing. To ensure they received the highest level of specialized care, they were promptly transferred to the Tarlac Provincial Hospital for advanced laboratory testing and intensive treatment,“ it added.
However, despite extensive life-saving efforts by medical teams from both facilities, the two recruits died.
The Philippine Army said an investigation into the incident is ongoing, while assistance is being extended to the families of the deceased trainees.
“The Philippine Army expresses its deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, relatives, and loved ones,” the statement read.
The Army also reiterated “its commitment to the welfare, health, and safety of all trainees undergoing military instruction,“ assuring the public that strict safety policies, medical protocols, and precautionary procedures remain in place.
The Philippine Army also called on the public to offer prayers for the eternal repose of the two candidate soldiers and strength for their grieving families.
“We respectfully ask the public to join the Philippine Army in offering solemn prayers for the eternal repose of CS Lemoniro and CS Flores, and for comfort and strength for their grieving families during this time of immense loss,“ it said.
