PAO exhumes ‘65th Dengvaxia victim’

LEGAZPI CITY  , Philippines  —  A team of forensic experts from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) autopsied the body of Arjay Llantero to determine if the 13-year-old died of complications caused by the Dengvaxia vaccine.

PAO chief Persida Acosta said the autopsy report shows that “the 65th victim of Dengvaxia vaccine had the same signs and symptoms as other victims and suffered hemorrhage on the brain.”

Samples were taken from the victim’s organs. “The findings will be out three to four weeks from now,” Acosta said.

Llantero was vaccinated in November 2017 and died on June 24 this year. His body was exhumed on Friday morning at Camalig cemetery.

Dr. Catalino Arevalo, regional director of Department of Health-Bicol, said Llantero also suffered from a lung ailment.

Analyn Llantero personally asked the help of PAO to autopsy the body of her son.

“He was a healthy and intelligent boy who wanted to become a cop so our family can rise from poverty,” Analyn said.

“I wish President Duterte can help us give justice to my dead son Arjay,” she added.