Asian Hospital may face raps over escape of hit-and-run suspect

MANILA, Philippines—Asian Hospital may face charges if investigations would show it helped a hit-and-run suspect escape, a National Capital Region Police Office official said Tuesday.

NCRPO Police Director Leonardo Espina has called for an investigation into the alleged escape of suspect Baldwin Co, 50, from the Asian Hospital where he was confined as he ordered a full-blown probe into the death of Chief Inspector Ferdinand Rosario, 37, Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas Gonzales said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

NCRPO director Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Gonzales said Co was able to elude arrest by using the hospital’s “back door” as police officers were guarding the main exit.

“Sa harap ng hospital nagbabantay ang HPG at safety battalion . . . nalaman na lang na wala na iyong suspect kasi allegedly pinadaan sa back door,” she said.

Espina has said that charges would be filed against the hospital if investigation would prove it helped in Co’s escape, said Gonzales.

She said Rosario was driving a Mitsubishi Adventure with three other police officers along the Skyway when their vehicle had a flat tire, prompting Rosario to slow down and get to the side of the road.

A “speeding” black Ford GT Mustang (without plate number) driven by Co, however, hit their vehicle from behind, causing their car to crash into the center barrier and turn turtle.

Rosario was rushed to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa but was declared dead-on-arrival, while the three other police officers were taken to the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame for physical check-up.

In a statement, Espina recognized Rosario for his efforts in closely monitoring police officers assigned as bus marshal during the Lenten season, leading to zero hold-up/robbery incident on buses.

Espina gave a posthumous medal to honor Rosario, aside from financial assistance. The medal was received by his brother and sister.

For the full report, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990AM.