CHR-7: Nurse violated human rights

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights-7 confirmed that the nurse who sealed the lips of a crying infant with surgical tape has committed a human rights violation.

"Initially, naa gyod human rights nga na-violate, makita nimo kun imong tan-awn gyod, gi-gag gyod ang baba sa bata," said special investigator Primo Cadampog.

Cadampog added that the act was 'inhuman'.

"Kun moingon ka'g i-gag nimo ang bata, ang circumstance is ang survival sa bata kay pananglitan ang bata gisip-on, unsaon man pagginhawa sa bata," he pointed out.

Although, the management of Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House Inc. explained that the tape was placed to hold a pacifier and prevent it from falling off.

Cadampog said they have not yet met with the nurse involved and the hospital management refused to give further information.

According to Cadampog, the CHR might recommend sanctions against the nurse before the Professional Regulations Commission. He explained that the CHR has no power over the nurse but it could make recommendation for the proper government agency to act.

The CHR has launched a fact-finding investigation into the reported sealing of an infant's lips on May 9. On top of the CHR-7 probe, the Department of Health has also conducted its own investigation. In fact, the DOH-7 has already given the hospital until today to submit an incident report including its policies and regulations in the neonatal intensive care unit, and the patient's chart.

Cadampog said he already talked with Ryan Noval, father of the baby, who promised  to cooperate in the investigation.

 "Kun one of these days, dili gani moanhi, kami na mo-adto niya kay tagaan man pod nato siya og chance makapahuway kay bag-o pa ra bang nigawas iyang baby," Cadampog said.

He added Noval is still looking for a lawyer and wished to talk to American Embassy since he is a dual citizen.

Noval was born in the Philippines but was raised in America.  (FREEMAN)