Police general still in coma, another now under therapy after chopper crash

MANILA, Philippines — More than a month after figuring in the fateful helicopter crash in Laguna, the director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Comptrollership remained unconscious, while another police general is undergoing rehabilitation.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a radio interview Wednesday that PNP comptroller Gen. Jose Maria Ramos remained in coma, but Maj. Gen. Mariel Magaway, who is a former Director for Intelligence of the PNP, is already showing improvement in his health.

“Actually, almost May na. Magdadalawang buwan na. Si Gen. Ramos, yun pa rin, coma pa rin siya. And then, si Gen. Magaway, had indicated na maganda na yung vital signs niya. Meron na siyang rehabilitation,” Gamboa said when asked for update on the two police generals.

(Actually, it is almost May. Almost two months now. Gen. Ramos is still the same, he is still in coma. And then, Gen. Magaway had indicated that his vital signs are improving. He is going through rehabilitation.)

“Nag-uundergo na siya (Magaway) ng physical therapy at occupational therapy. ‘Yung reactions niya pati yung kanyang perception sa brain, all are normal. He can recall you,” he added.

(Magaway is undertaking physical ang occupational therapy. His reactions and his brain perceptions are all normal. He can recall you.)

Last March 5, Gamboa, the two police generals and other companions were injured after the chopper carrying them crashed in San Pedro, Laguna. Gamboa and his companions were on their way to Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna when the accident happened.

Gamboa sustained a minor injury and left the hospital a day after the helicopter mishap happened.

Meanwhile, Police Brig. Gen. Marni Marcos Jr. was designated as acting director for PNP Comptrollership and Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Divina was appointed as acting PNP Director for Intelligence while Magaway and Ramos are undergoing medication at the hospital.

EDV