Zamboanga del Sur probes alleged refusal of care for stray bullet victim

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The provincial health officer of Zamboanga del Sur has ordered an investigation into allegations that a civilian militia hit by a stray bullet was denied medical care at a government hospital here.

Bonie Cabaron, 32, was hit by a stray bullet on his left arm during Christmas festivities at past 11 p.m. on Tuesday in Barangay Sugod of Tukuran town.

He was rushed for treatment at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZDSMC) in Pagadian City at past midnight but was told that no one could attend to his case there. This prompted his transfer to a private hospital.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Anatalio Cagampang Jr. told the Inquirer he would investigate the incident as the ZDSMC and its emergency room are supposedly open around the clock.

There is even a fast lane for patients who were categorized as having fireworks-related cases, Cagampang explained.

He added that the hospital, operated by the provincial government, has doctors and nurses trained to provide emergency care for incidents, as well as standby general and orthopedic surgeons who are on duty 24 hours a day in case major surgical intervention is needed.

He further said there was also an adequate supply of medicines needed for treatments.

Cagampang pointed out that he would personally look into the matter since it should never have happened.

There were zero fireworks-related incidents from December 22 to December 25 based on the monitoring, according to Cagampang.

Those rushed to hospitals had minor injuries from road accidents as they were driving under the influence of liquor.

READ: A dozen persons hit by stray bullets during Christmas, New Year revelries