CHR to probe nurses’ ‘misconduct’

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 7 will conduct its own investigation on the medical staff of Tuburan District Hospital that allegedly neglected a wounded drug personality.

As this developed, Provincial Health Office (PHO) Chief Rene Catan said they are willing to coordinate with the CHR.

“I immediately instructed the head of the Investigation Section to look into the case, make verifications and start the probe, the allegation being so serious to warrant a motu proprio investigation. The people want to know what really transpired and we welcome the willingness of the PHO to submit to the probe,” said CHR 7 Director and lawyer Arvin Odron.

Three of the hospital’s female nurses were suspended last Feb. 10 for taking and uploading a video of Jimby Casas who was wounded in a police operation. He died an hour later. The video went viral on the internet.

According to Tuburan police desk officer PO3 Achles Bacorta, Casas resisted arrest during a drug bust led by SPO4 Samuel Cañete in Barangay Poblacion last Feb. 8.

Casas, 23, allegedly pulled out his gun after he noticed he was dealing with a police officer pretending to be buying shabu from him.

The suspect was hit in the face, cheek, chest, left arm, shoulder and leg.

Police rushed him to the district hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries after an hour of confinement.

In an interview last Thursday, Feb. 14, Catan said they are open to working with the CHR on the investigation.

Catan has already conducted an initial investigation on the incident before the video went viral, but the PHO’s formal investigation won’t start until Monday, Feb. 18.

“We will coordinate with CHR. As per protocol, we do it in our level. If there’s a more grave mishap, then we go to higher-ups. The way we do it here is if you’re an employee, your case goes to the Codi (committee on discipline and investigation). But if you’re not an employee, then we decide on our level,” Catan said. /