Threats hounded slain barrio doctor – DOH

Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas, who shot dead in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte last week while serving under the Doctor to the Barrios program last week had been receiving threat to his life since last year, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial disclosed yesterday.

"The family actually told us that Dr. Dreyfuss already informed them when he went home last December that he might opt to go for residency in Samal because of some threats," Ubial said.

No other details on the threats were made availalble.

NBI probe Meantime, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will conduct an investigation on the murder of Perlas.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II directed NBI Director Dante Gierran to "conduct investigation and case build-up over the death of Dr. Dreyfuss 'Toto' Perlas who was shot dead in Lanao del Norte."

"Further, Director Gierran shall submit a report to the Office of the Secretary of Justice on its current activities related to the implementation of this Order," Aguirre added.

Cry for justice The Council for Health and Development (CHD) has demanded justice for Perlas, who was gunned down on March 1, 2017.

CHD executive director Dr. Eleanor A. Jara expressed indignation over the brutal killing of Perlas, who actually worked as a contractual physician for the Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) program of the Department of Health (DOH.)

The 31-year-old barrio doctor was on board his motorcycle when he was shot and killed by a still unidetnified assailant.

Perlas, a native of Aklan, graduated from West Visayas State University in 2011.

Perlas joined the Doctor to the Barrios (DTTB) program in 2012 and has even been nominated for the Bayani ng Kalusugan award.

“Kakaunti na nga lang ang doctor sa barrio, pinapatay pa! Hindi ito katanggap-tanggap (Only a few doctors work in the barrios and yet they are being killed! This is unacceptable),” Dr. Jara.

Despite the perils of community medicine and health work, Dr. Jara still encouraged doctors to go to the most underserved areas where their services are needed most.