Obstruction of justice raps mulled vs Mandaluyong clinic

MANILA, Philippines -  The Eastern Police District (EPD) yesterday threatened to file charges of obstruction of justice against the Icon Clinic in Mandaluyong City where a businesswoman died after she underwent cosmetic surgery last month.

EDP director Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula said they were planning to file a complaint against Dr. Samuel Eric Calderon Yapjuangco, anesthesiologist Dr. Jose Cordero Mendiola as well as nurses Virgil Alec Ongleo, Alvin Carl Genove and Audrey Michelle Santos after they failed to submit their statements regarding the death of Shyril Saturnino, 29.

Saturnino underwent liposuction as well as breast and butt surgery on March 26.

Results of the autopsy conducted on Saturnino showed that she died of multiple organ failure secondary to complications of cosmetic surgery.

The lawyers of the Icon Clinic said they would not submit statement in the absence of a complainant in the case, Senior Superintendent Joaquin Alva, Mandaluyong police chief, said.

The Special Investigation Task Force Shyril headed by Senior Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr., EPD deputy director for operations, said they would decide what move to take following the refusal of the clinic to cooperate in the probe.

Police said Saturnino’s parents vowed to pursue the case against the doctors and nurses who supervised the surgery.

The Mandaluyong City government has ordered the temporary closure of the clinic.