Raped nurse ready for discharge

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A volunteer nurse, who suffered serious injuries when she was gang-raped in South Upi, Maguindanao last Sept. 25, is now ready for discharge from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here, her doctors said.

SPMC executive director Leopoldo Vega told The STAR that the victim could already be discharged in a few days, as she has shown remarkable recovery in her motor and cognitive functions.

The victim initially suffered paralysis on her right body due to severe head injuries, prompting doctors to resort to tubal feeding while she was undergoing treatment.

“She is ready for discharge. We are just awaiting the proper coordination as to where she would be going after we discharge her. That is for the proper endorsement of her case,” Vega said.

Vega said he would call a meeting with representatives of the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine National Police as to where she would be brought after her treatment at the SPMC.

Despite her recovery, Vega said they have not discussed the rape incident with her. “No, we did not ask her nor was it discussed,” he said.

Authorities have been waiting for her recovery so she could shed light on the attack, and possibly identify the perpetrators.

Vega said the victim would undergo further psychiatric and psychological rehabilitation as she still suffers lapses in her memory due to brain contusions she sustained in the attack.

“The rehabilitation and therapy would continue after she would be discharged from the SPMC,” Vega said.

Security remains tight for the victim, especially now that she is ready for discharge from the hospital.

No new suspects have yet been identified in the rape case. Six men earlier tagged in the crime have been released for lack of evidence, while a self-confessed suspect has retracted his statement.

Justice officials have tried but failed to convince the vice mayor of South Upi town to submit himself to questioning by the National Bureau of Investigation and submit samples for DNA testing.