Benaldo out of danger

WHY DID HE DO IT? Rep. Jose Benjamin “Benjo” Benaldo is shown with his wife, Brazilian model Daiana Menezes, inside an ambulance for his transfer from New Era Hospital to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. This Instagram photo was taken by Rep. Miro Quimbo. ARNOLD ALMACEN

MANILA, Philippines—Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Jose Benjamin “Benjo” Benaldo is out of danger after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound in the chest that appeared to have been self-inflicted last Thursday night.

In a medical bulletin on Saturday, St. Luke’s Medical Center said “the patient is now out of danger and is in stable condition.” It was signed by Benaldo’s attending physician, Dr. Jose Oreta Jr.

In an update furnished reporters, Oreta said Benaldo sustained a gunshot wound in the left side of the chest. The bullet struck the upper lobe of his left lung, as well as several blood vessels.

“Chest exploration, control of bleeders and upper left lobectomy (removal of the upper lobe of the left lung) were done,” the update read.

Benaldo, husband of Brazilian model and TV personality Daiana Menezes, has been confined at the SLMC since Thursday night after he was found shot in the chest alone in his office at the House of Representatives at around 7:30 p.m.

The Quezon City Police District has closed its investigation into the incident.

QCPD director Senior Supt. Richard Albano said the probe would be reopened if the congressman would talk to the police.

“We are concerned about his health. But if he wants to talk to us, our investigators are always ready,” Albano said.

The QCPD has ruled out foul play.