The Commission on Human Rights has ordered a parallel investigation following the death of the 19-year-old maritime cadet in Calamba City who was reportedly punished by performing physical exercises for sending a thumbs up emoji to their group chat.
In a statement on Monday, the CHR called on authorities to conduct a motu proprio investigation, or a probe without a formal party request to “ensure justice for his family.”
“The Commission has taken cognizance of the incident and conducted its own investigation, or motu proprio, through its regional office in Region IV,” it said.
The CHR, through Chairperson Richard Palpal-Latoc condemned use of violence as form discipline across all educational institutions.
“The Commission unequivocally denounces any form of violence against students. This incident represents a blatant violation of students’ fundamental right to life and safety. Severe physical punishments have no place in any educational institution,” said Palpal-Latoc.
According to the report of Calamba City police, Vince Andrew Delos Reyes died after experiencing difficulty in breathing and collapsed in his cabin at the academy after performing extreme physical activities as a punishment for his “offense.”
Upperclassman identified only as Nathaniel made Delos Reyes perform 100 squat thrusts followed by 100 repetitions of pumping. The student was said to have collapsed while performing star jumps.
At the infirmary, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was done on the cadet to revive him but his condition got worse. He was brought to the hospital but was dead on arrival.
