3 abortionists nabbed in entrapment operation

CEBU, Philippines — Three individuals allegedly involved in performing illegal abortions were arrested by authorities inside a motel in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, on Thursday afternoon, June 19.

The suspects were identified as Amparo Timarangan, 75, and Jessie Hemarang Juntilla, 40, both residents of Mohon, Talisay City; and Romar Solinap Pagunsan, 46, of Guinsay, Danao City.

The operation conducted by the operatives of Police Regional Office-7 was a follow-up to an earlier case on June 13, when three fetuses were found in Liloan, Cebu.

In an interview with reporters, PRO-7 Regional Director Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said investigators traced the suspects through a Facebook page used to transact with their so-called clients.

Maranan said each transaction cost P40,000, with the amount split evenly between the abortionist and a  middleman  who coordinated online before the in-person meeting.

Nagkakahalaga bawat abortion na kanilang ginagawa ng forty thousand pesos (P40,000). (Ang) twenty thousand (P20,000) doon mismo sa gagawa at twenty thousand (P 20,000) naman doon sa middleman,  Maranan said.

The suspects were arrested during a sting operation around 12 noon on June 19, after a female police operative posed as a client and met them in the motel.

Authorities also confiscated assorted abortion-inducing drugs, tools used in the procedures, and marked money from the operation.

In a separate interview, Timarangan admitted to committing the act upon the request of women who approached her for help. She claimed she had performed abortions for around 15 clients in the past year.

Ako dili gyud unta ko gusto ani, pero manghangyo man sila kay tungod kuno sa kalisod, di sila gustong manganak kay ilang bata gamay pa, ang uban naay sakit sa kasing-kasing. Mao nang mapugos ko, pero di ko magpataka sad, she told reporters.

Timarangan said she previously worked as a clinic assistant to a now-deceased doctor who also conducted abortions. She claimed to earn around P4,500 to P6,000 per client.

Pagunsan, who said he had known Timarangan for a year, admitted to procuring abortion drugs through online platforms. He claimed they only got involved due to persistent requests.

Basta naa la y mangayo g tabang  Naay mo-refer sa amoa ingon ana, mga pasyente,  he said.

Maranan said the suspects will face charges for violating Article 256 of the Revised Penal Code, which pertains to Intentional Abortion.

He added that investigators are also looking into the possible link between the suspects and the earlier Liloan case where the three fetuses were discovered inside a plastic box.

[I]yon ang ating tinitignan ngayon kung yung pangyayari sa Liloan ay connected ba sa kanila. We are still conducting a thorough and deeper investigation to ascertain the connection of the two incidents, he said.

Asked whether the motel used in the operation could also be held liable, Maranan said this angle will be part of their probe.

Part ng ating investigation yan. Whether or not may participation sila dito (and) whether or not they have full knowledge of the things happening here, he said.

Should the establishment be found complicit, Maranan said charges will be filed and closure of the facility will be pursued.

PRO-7 is also calling on other possible victims to come forward and cooperate with the investigation into illegal abortion activities.  — /FPL (FREEMAN)