Filipino nurse in Saudi Arabia stabbed while on duty

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino nurse in Saudi Arabia was stabbed several times by an Arab patient while on duty, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed yesterday.

Emergency room nurse Rolando Mina, 29, of Caloocan City, suffered multiple stab wounds after he was attacked by the 22-year-old suspect on May 17, according to a report of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah.

Consul General Edgar Badajos said the suspect was arrested by police shortly after the incident.

Badajos said the case has been endorsed to the public prosecutor for investigation.

The incident was captured by the hospital’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) system. The video of the attack went viral after it was posted on social media.

CCTV footage showed the suspect approaching Mina while pulling out a knife. The suspect started stabbing the victim, who tried to block the knife with his arms.

Other hospital staff managed to push the suspect away.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the attack, Badajos said.

Mina said he does not know the suspect and has no idea why he was stabbed.

Badajos said officials from the Saudi Ministry of Health visited Mina on Friday.

Mina was given security guards by the hospital management to ensure his safety while the case is being investigated.

He was also assured of assistance, including payment of his salary while he is recovering.