'Hero' PMA cadet condition improves

THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet who was shot while trying to thwart a robbery is now back on his feet but remains confined in the hospital due to an injury.

After almost two months of intensive medical care, Cadet 1st Class Alfonso Aviles is now on ambulatory stage and can walk with guidance of a nurse, according to a medical report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC).

Aviles, who went into comatose, can now also talk in short phrases. His doctors also assured that the cadet is "much closer to full recovery."

The senior PMA student sustained wounds from two gunshots when he tried to stop a robbery holdup aboard a passenger jeepney in Fairview, Quezon City last August.

While his condition has been improving, Aviles still needs to remain in the hospital to heal an injury.

“Cdt Aviles still has to be confined in the hospital because of the mandibular fracture and the physical rehabilitation he is undergoing. Our specialists and medical doctors are all-out in guiding Cdt Aviles all throughout the rehabilitation and recovery process," said Brigadier General Normando Sta. Ana, AFPMC commander.

Aviles will also require a titanium plate implant to reconstruct his jaw due to his injury. His physical rehabilitation will be three times a week to condition his body back to form.

The doctors are also still waiting for a bullet on his shoulder to surface.

Meanwhile, General Jessie Dellosa, AFP chief of staff, expressed his admiration and support to the "heroic" PMA cadet.

"Cadet Aviles deserves to recover and we will fervently pray and hope for the best so he may continue with the courageous service he started in the PMA,” said Dellosa.

The PMA, which generated funds for Aviles' medical requirements, also assured the cadet's family of its continued support and assistance. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)