Messages of grief for slain ‘health hero’ flood social media
Mourning over the death of a “worthy public servant,” the Department of Health (DOH) vowed help in seeking justice for slain volunteer doctor Dreyfuss Perlas.
“The Department of Health (DOH) is saddened by the news on the heinous death of its former Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) doctor. Dreyfuss Perlas, the Municipal Health Officer of Sapad, province of Lanao del Norte,” the DOH said in a statement Friday afternoon.
Several individuals also took their messages of grief to social networking sites, where some used the #JusticeForDrey to cry for justice over his death.
“Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, Doctor to the Barrios Batch 30, MHO of Sapad, Lanao del Norte (and coincidentally a schoolmate of mine in high school and one of the nicest people) was shot dead yesterday. It’s horrifying when death becomes the price of service,” wrote Facebook (FB) user Paulo Tugbang.
“You will be missed Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas. Rest in Peace.The Lord must have loved you so much that He preferred you join Him this early,” said another FB user Jo Bonifacio-Palomata.
“Late Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, served selflessly, murdered by the cruel gunmen. Pilipinas, bakit ang hirap mong mahalin?” tweeted Nikko Dajao.
“Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas is truly a great epitome of ‘Iskolar Ng Bayan!’” wrote Twitter user dknightMD.
On Wednesday, Perlas was onboard a motorbike from a medical mission when attacked by an unidentified suspect in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. A single bullet ended the life of a 31-yearold doctor who had dedicated his shortlived life to serving the people.
“The DOH deplores this act of violence. We lost a worthy public servant at a time when there is greater need for their unselfish dedication to duty. The DOH… vows to support efforts until justice is served,” it assured. ‘Health hero’ Perlas has been known as one of the top health heroes in his region. “The Doctors to the Barrios [doctor] who was shot dead on March 1, 2017 in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte is posthumously awarded the Bayani ng Kalusugan,” Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial disclosed.
Perlas lobbied for the renovation of the Old Rural Health Unit in the LGU and was granted a full renovation corresponding with office supplies, equipment, and medicines.
Perlas also facilitated the accreditation for Primary Care Benefit 1 and TB-DOTS Package in 2013; Maternity Care Package in 2014; while Newborn Screening was fully implemented in 2015 plus the RHU is a 4-in-1 facility.
He also lobbied for the institutionalization of the Municipal Epidemiologic and Surveillance Unit; facilitated trainings in Basic Life Support and Standard First Aid, Water Sanitation and Hygiene and Mental Health Psychosocial Support; and drafted the Health Emergency Preparedness Plan for 2016-2017.
He was part of the medical response team for Typhoon Pablo in Boston, Davao Oriental, the Nunungan Ambush in 2013, and MNLF Stand-off in Zamboanga City.