BAGUIO CITY — The municipal government of Kiangan, Ifugao has called for a transparent investigation into the death of local athlete and pilot Aldwayne B. Dulnuan, who died last 22 July during Philippine Navy training in Zambales.

Dulnuan, a standout basketball player who won multiple MVP titles in local and provincial leagues, died during military instruction at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Zambales.

Navy authorities initially attributed his death to heat stroke caused by sudden health failure during physical exercises.

However, relatives alleged that Dulnuan was subjected to severe physical abuse and harsh treatment on the training ground prior to his collapse, directly contradicting the military’s account.

Bulayungan questioned the initial findings, pointing to Dulnuan’s background as an elite athlete known for exceptional physical fitness.

A healthy athlete of his caliber would not suffer a fatal collapse without underlying factors, the mayor said.

Before Bulayungan issued his statement, the family published an open letter addressed to Rear Adm. Karl Decapia, commander of the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command.

The letter called for an impartial inquiry and urged officials to preserve all training logs, surveillance footage, and medical records from the Naval Hospital in San Antonio.

Citing concerns over a potential cover-up, the family requested that independent investigators and medical examiners review the case.

Bulayungan called on Philippine Navy leadership and law enforcement agencies to scrutinize training protocols, emphasizing the need to safeguard military recruits.

He pledged the municipal government’s full support to Dulnuan’s family as they seek justice and accountability.

Kiangan officials and the family of trainee Aldwayne B. Dulnuan are seeking an independent investigation into his death during Philippine Navy training, questioning the initial heat stroke findings and calling for accountability.