Two army trainees died during training in Capas, Tarlac.
“The Philippine Army confirms the unfortunate death of two trainees during a training activity at the Training Command, Philippine Army in Capas, Tarlac.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families. We are extending full support and assistance during this difficult time.”
In a separate statement, the Army’s Training Command (TRACOM) said the School for Candidate Soldier of the Initial Military Training Group also confirmed the deaths of two trainees belonging to SC Class 806-2026.
TRACOM said assistance and support are already being provided to the families of the deceased trainees while authorities conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation” into the incident.
“The Philippine Army strictly upholds policies that prohibit any form of violence, maltreatment or abuse in the conduct of military instruction and training activities,” TRACOM said.
According to the command, accountability, transparency, and the welfare of trainees remain among its top priorities as it continues to uphold “the values of honor, professionalism and service to the nation.”
“A full and immediate investigation has been ordered to establish the facts surrounding this incident. We will not speculate. We ask the public to allow the investigation to proceed and to avoid spreading unverified claims that may cause further distress to the families.”
“The safety and welfare of our personnel remain a top priority. Training is inherently demanding, but it must always be conducted within established safety standards. We are already reviewing protocols and enforcing stricter measures where necessary.”
Capas
Capas, a municipality in the province of Tarlac, Philippines, is historically significant as the site of the Capas National Shrine, which commemorates the end of the Bataan Death March during World War II. Thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who died at the nearby Camp O’Donnell are honored here. Today, the shrine serves as a poignant memorial and a symbol of sacrifice and resilience.
Tarlac
Tarlac is a province in the Philippines known for its significant role in the country’s history, particularly during the Philippine Revolution and World War II. It is home to the Capas National Shrine, which commemorates the end of the Bataan Death March, and the historic Hacienda Luisita, a former sugar plantation that played a key part in the nation’s agrarian reform movement. Today, Tarlac is recognized for its cultural heritage, agricultural landscapes, and as the birthplace of former President Corazon Aquino.
Training Command, Philippine Army
The Training Command, Philippine Army (TRACOM, PA) serves as the primary institution for the initial and basic military training of enlisted personnel and officers in the Philippine Army. Established in 1979, it was formed from the merger of several training units to centralize and standardize the army’s training doctrine. Headquartered in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, TRACOM oversees multiple training schools and centers, playing a crucial role in shaping the discipline, skills, and values of new soldiers.
Capas
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Capas National Shrine
The Capas National Shrine, located in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, is a memorial dedicated to the Filipino and American soldiers who perished at the end of the Bataan Death March during World War II. The site marks the starting point of the march, where thousands of prisoners of war were forced to walk over 100 kilometers under brutal conditions. Today, it features a towering white obelisk and a peaceful park, serving as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.
Camp O’Donnell
Camp O’Donnell is a former U.S. Army post in Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, infamous as the endpoint of the Bataan Death March during World War II. After the march, thousands of Filipino and American prisoners of war were held there under brutal conditions by the Japanese, leading to immense suffering and loss of life. Today, the site houses the Capas National Shrine, which serves as a memorial to those who perished.
Hacienda Luisita
Hacienda Luisita is a large sugar plantation and mill located in Tarlac, Philippines, originally established in the mid-19th century by the Spanish-owned Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas. It was later acquired by the family of former President Corazon Aquino, becoming a focal point of land reform controversies and violent labor disputes, including the tragic 2004 Mendiola massacre. Today, it remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle for agrarian justice and workers’ rights in the country.
Fort Bonifacio
Fort Bonifacio, originally established as Fort William McKinley by the United States Army in 1902, is a historic military base located in Metro Manila, Philippines. It was renamed after Philippine revolutionary Andrés Bonifacio in 1949 and later converted into a major financial and business district known as Bonifacio Global City. Today, it stands as a symbol of the Philippines’ colonial history and its modern economic development.
