MANILA, Philippines – Just 2 days after swearing his oath to serve in the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), Cadet Ryan B. Lucena passed away on May 7, 2025, from complications related to heat stroke.
The young cadet had only just begun the journey he had long dreamed of, something that he dedicated to his beloved grandmother, who raised him when his parents separated.
Sadly, he passed away after collapsing from heat stroke during a meal at the Academy.
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| Cadet Lucena’s Lola Iling mourns his passing. Photo credit: Nyms Luza and Herson Raquinio |
Ryan was more than just a cadet. He was a quiet and determined young man from Peñablanca, Cagayan. When his parents separated, his grandmother stepped in and raised him. She became his everything: his parent, his guide, and his biggest supporter. His dream of joining the police academy wasn’t for himself alone. It was for her.
On the day of his oathtaking, he said, “Lola, para sa’yo ’to.” (“Grandma, this is for you.”)
His dream was cut short too soon. On May 7, Ryan lost consciousness, likely because of the extreme heat in Silang, Cavite. He was rushed to the Academy Health Service and later brought to the PNP General Hospital.
Doctors tried everything to save him, but he passed away at 2:54 PM. His cause of death was cardiogenic shock, severe imbalance in his body’s potassium levels, and kidney failure.
The PNPA is mourning the loss. The academy is covering all medical and burial costs, and police officers from Region 2 will give Ryan full honors.
With the hot weather, the Academy had already given new cadets water canteens and was monitoring their health closely. They say they will continue improving safety measures to protect their cadets.
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| Photo credit: Philippine National Police Academy |
Now, the same grandmother who once held Ryan in her arms must lay him to rest. But her love gave Ryan the strength to chase his dream, and even if it was only for a short time, he reached it.
He wore his uniform with pride. Even if he didn’t get to finish the journey, he was able to stand where he dreamed. And though his time was brief at the PNPA, his story will continue to inspire others.
RIP Cadet Lucena…
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express