Cadet hurt in robbery 'improving'

MANILA, Philippines - The military cadet who was shot after trying to foil a robbery in Quezon City last month is “on his way to recovery” even if he remains in coma, an Armed Forces official said yesterday.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the condition of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet Alfonso Aviles is continuously improving 10 days after an operation to remove a bullet from his skull.

“As of now, Cadet Aviles can already breathe on his own with oxygen support, alternating with mechanical respirator to relieve his lungs. He is also starting his initial bedside physical therapy today,” Burgos said in a statement.

Burgos said Aviles’ consciousness score had improved to 8-9 from 5-6, signaled by spontaneous movement of his right side and episodes of eye opening. The pressure on his brain is also subsiding and his vital signs are also stable.

Citing a report by the Armed Forces Medical Center, Burgos said Aviles has not suffered fever for the past two days.

Doctors are still closely monitoring his condition for secondary infections and complications.