A third year cadet of the Philippine Military Academy from Candon City, Ilocos Sur died of esophageal cancer yesterday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City.
The PMA said it mourns the passing of 23-year-old Cadet 2nd Class Cedrick Gadia who perished while under hospital care at 5:15 a.m.
According to the academy, Gadia was first admitted at Fort del Pilar Station Hospital in Baguio City last Aug. 29.
He was evacuated to AFP Medical Center on Sept. 5 for further tests until he was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer with liver and lung metastasis.
“The PMA is deeply saddened for this unfortunate loss, and extends our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Cdt 2CL Gadia,” the PMA said.
Capt. Cheryl Tindog, PMA spokesperson, said there is an annual physical examination for PMA cadets but the symptoms of Gadia’s cancer only manifested recently.
“Ang explanation naman po sa akin ng doctor namin usually kapag young pa hindi daw po talaga lumalabas kaagad ‘yung symptoms niyan pero sa family po talaga ni Cadet Gadia meron po talagang link, parang familial history na may ganoon po sila,” Tindog said.
Gadia’s remains were still at the AFP Medical Center as of press time as the PMA continues to arrange for his transfer to his hometown which was requested by his father.
“We will continue to assist him and his family to accord one of our own sons and members of the AFP with the due honor that befits him,” the PMA said. (Martin A. Sadongdong)