Lawmaker slams killing of nurse in Bohol hospital

INQUIRER FILES

TAGBILARAN CITY — A lawmaker on Friday condemned the killing of a nurse who was stabbed to death by a patient inside a private hospital in this city.

Rep. Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado of Bohol’s second district said the death of the 51-year-old female nurse, whose identity was not disclosed by the police, has affected the healthcare industry.

“Healthcare workers are oftentimes more susceptible to violence than other professions. They face different kinds of discrimination and harassment, or even worse,” said Aumentado, a registered nurse, in a statement on Friday, Oct. 18.

“I condemn the act of killing or any other forms of violence and intimidation in workplaces. On behalf of my family, I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and loved ones,” she added.

The investigation by the Tagbilaran City police showed that Marlito Cardines Linguis, 31, of Barangay Magsaysay in Sevilla town, got angry with the nurse when told that he would be left at the hospital despite having paid the hospital bill.

Linguis was hospitalized together with seven other patients due to diarrhea.

When Linguis was about to be discharged, he grabbed the scissors and stabbed the nurse to death.

A utility worker who was about to intervene was also stabbed by the suspect.

Police said Linguis, a drug surrenderer in 2016, has a mental problem.

Aumentado said she was working on a bill to establish a Mental Health Rehabilitation Center in the province.

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, then the district representative, filed a bill about establishing a drug rehabilitation center in the President Carlos P. Garcia town, but the bill was disapproved.

“That is why, I am hoping and praying this bill that I am passing will prosper as I see the many benefits of this to all of us, one of which is a safer and healthier place for us,” she said.

As a legislator, she co-authored House Bill (HB) 6416 or “An Act Strengthening the Mental Health Services of State Universities and Colleges and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” which was approved in the House and the Senate, and HB 6574 “An Act Strengthening  the Promotion and Delivery of Mental Health Services in Basic Education through the Hiring and Development of Mental Health Professionals and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”

She said mental health services are beneficial in reducing the risk of chronic diseases related to stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

“Giving importance and attention to mental health issues helps save lives. It also helps improve the outlook of people who may have lost hope and confidence about themselves and life in general,” Aumentado said.

The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA)-Bohol Chapter condemned the killing, saying the tragic loss of their colleague was senselessly taken by an act of violence in the hospital.

“We strongly condemn this brutality and urge a swift and thorough investigation to ensure accountability and a safer environment for all healthcare workers,” the statement said.