Massacre suspect dies in detention
A suspect in the Maguindanao massacre case has died at the Taguig-Pateros Hospital, where he was rushed last week after complaining of difficulty in breathing, The STAR learned yesterday.
Senior Inspector Lloyd Gonzaga, warden of the Quezon City Jail-Annex at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, confirmed that Maot Dumla, alias Nhot Abdul, died on Saturday.
Gonzaga could not provide additional details on the death of Dumla, but a source told
The STAR that he died of complications due to congestive heart failure and pulmonary tuberculosis.
In February, Dumla was brought to the same hospital after suffering from disorientation and failure to recognize his wife and other relatives.
He complained of difficulty in breathing, edema in his lower extremities and body malaise that prevented him from moving.
Dumla was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, pneumonia and tuberculosis. But despite the advice of his doctors, the suspect’s wife, Taya Talon, and siblings signed a waiver of discharge and refused to let him undergo further medical tests.
Concerned about his health, public attorney Laguindab Marohombsar asked the court to allow the hospitalization of the suspect.
Marohombsar noted that the condition of Dumla continues to deteriorate since he did not receive proper medication for his illnesses.
Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes had ordered jail officials to transfer the suspect to the nearest hospital for treatment.
Dumla, however, submitted a written waiver informing the judge that he did not want to undergo treatment. His wife also signed the document.
The couple decided to refuse hospitalization despite the explanation given by officials of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. They did not provide an explanation on why they refused treatment.
Dumla is the second suspect in the Maguindanao massacre case who died in detention.
Police Officer 2 Hernanie Decipulo, another accused in the multiple murder case, died on Feb. 6, 2010 after jumping off the roof of his detention cell.
More than 100 suspects, including members of the Ampatuan clan, have been arrested in connection with the Maguindanao bloodbath that claimed the lives of 58 people on Nov. 23, 2009.