EPD poised to file raps vs Mandaluyong clinic

Police are building an airtight case against the doctors and nurses of the Icon Clinic in Mandaluyong City where a businesswoman died after she underwent cosmetic surgery last month, an official said yesterday.

Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula said they are poised to file charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and medical malpractice against Dr. Samuel Eric Calderon Yapjuangco, anesthesiologist Dr. Jose Jovito Cordero Mendiola as well as nurses Virgil Alec Ongleo, Alvin Carl Genove and Audrey Michelle Santos for the death of Shyril Saturnino, 29.

“We will include charges of obstruction of justice and concealing vital medical records for their failure to cooperate in the probe,” Sapitula said.

He said they have evidence against the doctors and nurses, including an autopsy report showing that Saturnino died of multiple organ failure after undergoing liposuction as well as breast and butt surgery at the clinic on March 26.

Doctors tried but failed to revive her.

Sapitula ordered the Special Investigation Task Group Shyril headed by Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr., EPD deputy director for operations, to wait for the pathology examination conducted by the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory to establish what caused Saturnino’s death.

Pedrozo presided over the second case conference yesterday.

Police informed Saturnino’s relatives about the developments in the investigation.

Pedrozo said they would file the charges by April 18.

The Department of Health and the city government of Mandaluyong had ordered the temporary closure of the clinic.