VP Sara seeks justice for doctor shot in Maguindanao del Sur

Vice President Sara Duterte has condemned the ambush of a government physician in Maguindanao del Sur earlier this month, calling on concerned agencies to ensure the safety of citizens against criminals and terrorists.

In a statement on Tuesday, Duterte said the shooting of Dr. Sharmaine Barroquillo on February 3 is a case of violence which reflects the state of security and order in the country.

“Walang sinuman sa atin, lalo na ang mga responsableng mamamayan at kawani ng pamahalaan na katulad ni Dr. Barroquillo na tunay na naglilingkod sa mga Pilipino, ang dapat na dumanas ng karahasan sa kamay ng mga kriminal,” the Vice President said.

(None of us, especially responsible citizens and government personnel like Dr. Barroquillo, who truly serve the Filipinos, should suffer violence at the hands of criminals.)

“Ang nangyari sa kanya sa Buluan, Maguindanao ay isa lamang sa mga insidente ng karahasan sa buong bansa na sumasalamin sa estado ng seguridad at kaayusan ng bansa,” she added.

(What happened to Dr. Barroquillo in Buluan, Maguindanao was just one of the violence incidents in the country that reflect the nation’s state of security and order.)

Barroquillo was shot and heavily wounded by motorcycle-riding gunmen while she was driving to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital, where she serves as a medical doctor.

The victim was able to continue driving away from the unidentified suspects, but crashed into a tricycle carrying three passengers, who were also injured in the collision.

Duterte hoped that justice would be served to Barroquillo, and the perpetrators be held accountable.

“Ang ating panawagan ay tiyakin ng mga responsableng ahensya ng pamahalaan na ligtas ang ating mga mamamayan laban sa banta ng mga kriminal, terorista, at iba pang pwersa na nagnanais na takutin ang ating mamamayan at pahirapan ang ating bansa,” she said.

(We’re calling responsible government agencies to ensure that our citizens are safe from the threat of criminals, terrorists, and other forces that want to frighten our citizens and make our country suffer.)

“Magtulungan po tayo at huwag nating hayaang maghari ang mga kriminal sa ating mga komunidad. Tandaan natin na sa peace and order nakasandal ang ating kalayaan at ang kaunlaran ng ating bansa.”

(Let’s work together and not let criminals rule our communities. Let’s remember that peace and order depend on our freedom and the development of our country.)

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Monday also denounced the violence committed against health workers, following Barroquillo’s ambush.

“Hindi lang doktor, pati nurses, midwife, lahat. Ang health workers ay tumutulong lang sa ating mga pasyente. Kung hindi kayo satisfied sa service nila, hindi paraan ang pagpatay sa ating health workers,” Herbosa said in an ambush interview.

(It’s not only doctors, but also nurses, midwives, and others. Health workers help our patients. If you are not satisfied with their service, killing our health workers is not the way to go.)  — RSJ, GMA Integrated News