Former DAR chief still critical, says doc

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—Former Agrarian Reform Secretary Horacio “Boy” Morales remains unconscious and is reportedly breathing with the aid of a ventilator, a day after he suffered a heart attack at a golf tournament here, according to a doctor who spoke to the Inquirer Friday.

Morales is being treated at the intensive care unit of the Notre Dame de Chartes Hospital here.

Reporters are barred from entering the Notre Dame ICU. The Notre Dame officials also prevented their staff of cardiologists from discussing Morales’ condition.

“He remains unconscious since he was brought here from BGHMC (Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center),” said the source, who sought anonymity for having no authority to disclose information about the former Cabinet official.

The Notre Dame doctor said Morales suffered “a myocardial infarction,” the medical term for a heart attack or the condition when the supply of blood to the heart is interrupted.

Morales, 68, was rushed early Thursday morning to the BGHMC hours before he and his J.J. Golf Club Team members were supposed to tee off at the Camp John Hay Golf Course.

Morales took part in the 62nd Fil-Am Golf Tournament.

Cordillera employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform, who were contacted by the Inquirer, said they were unaware of Morales’ medical condition.