Massacre suspect seeks hospitalization

MANILA, Philippines - A suspect in the Maguindanao massacre has asked the court handling the multiple murder case to allow him to undergo medical examination at the nearest government hospital due to swelling in the private part of his body.

In a two-page urgent motion, Police Officer 3 Alex Daquilos – through his lawyer Gennodin Nilong – asked Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to allow him to go to a medical facility outside Camp Bagong Diwa as he is suffering from varicocoele bilateral.

The illness is described as a prostate disorder of the spermatic cord that causes swelling.

Nilong said the medical facility at Camp Bagong Diwa does not have the capability to handle Daquilos’ condition.

He cited the recommendation of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) physician that the suspect be brought to the nearest government facility for possible operation.

“Since there was an admission on the part of the BJMP physician that they cannot handle his condition, it is only proper that the latter’s recommendation is heeded immediately to avoid further complications that might worsen his condition,” read the motion.

Solis-Reyes gave the prosecution panel until today to comment on the motion.

Daquilos is among the initial 197 suspects charged for the Nov. 23, 2009 massacre that claimed the lives of 58 people, including 32 media practitioners.

A total of 108 suspects have been arrested, with charges against the three already dropped. 

Members of the Ampatuan clan who were tagged as masterminds of the crime denied the allegations against them.