A graduating cadet of he Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who became comatose after he was shot on the face by a jeepney robber two months ago has miraculously recovered.

According to a medical report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center, Cadet First Class Alfonso Aviles is now back on his feet and can also talk in short phrases.

“Cadet 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 Cadet Aviles all throughout the rehabilitation and recovery process.” Brig. Gen. Normando Sta. Ana, commander, AFPMC, said Tuesday.

He said that Aviles also needs a titanium implant to reconstruct his fractured jaw.

The doctors are also still waiting for a bullet on his shoulder to surface, although they assured that Aviles is much closer to full recovery.

Aviles received tons of prayers and moral support from his family, friends, and classmates in the PMA when the news broke out of his bravery.

As an act of solidarity, the PMA also “passed the hat” to generate funds for his medical requirements. The PMA also assured the family of Cdt Aviles of their continued support and assistance.

 AFP chief of staff Gen. Jessie D Dellosa said that the whole AFP continues to pray and give moral support to Aviles “as he goes through strenuous rehabilitation on the way to full recovery.”

“His bravery accounts for a lot of qualities our soldiers and cadets have in common. One of those is the selfless need to help other people even if it’s at the risk of their own life. 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,” Dellosa added.

The shooting of Aviles happened last August. He was in Manila then to serve as one of the proctors in the entrance examination for the PMA.

He was on board a passenger jeepney in Quezon City when unidentified men declared a hold-up.

Aviles was trying to grab the robber’s gun when it went off, hitting him on the neck with the bullet exiting on his face.

The robbers escaped with their loot, including the bullring of Aviles.