Doctors’ group grows impatient over slow probe of CDO blast

Doctors, pharmaceutical representatives, and other members of the health community gathered at the blast site in Limketkai Center for a Holy Eucharistic celebration for the victims of the bombing incident. PHOTO BY CAI PANLILIO / INQUIRER MINDANAO

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Medical Association on Monday called for the speedy resolution of the Cagayan de Oro explosion that killed six people, including medical representatives and a doctor.

A report by Radyo Inquirer said the PMA is growing impatient over the slow process of the investigation.

Investigators have not determined if that attack was staged by terrorist groups or was sparked by rivalries among politicians or other groups.

During a press conference at the Manila Hotel, PMA president Dr. Leo Olarte said they are worried that the blast, which injured over 20 people, might turn into nothing if the PNP would not resolve the case as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Police Chief Superintendent Lina Sarmiento, Philippine National Police Director for Police Community Relations, said the PNP is thoroughly investigating the case and is in the process of hunting down the perpetrators.

The PMA had earlier condemned the blast, which happened at an upscale restaurant-watering hole in Cagayan de Oro. Among the dead were a provincial government official and a doctor who was unwinding in the crowded nightspot near a shopping mall after attending a medical convention.

Cagayan de Oro, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) south of Manila, is a relatively peaceful port city in the southern Mindanao region where al-Qaeda-linked militants, communist rebels and heavily armed crime gangs operate.