CCPO official disappointed with VSMMC

CEBU, Philippines – The chief of the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office has expressed dismay over the “uncooperative policy” of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center with the police.

Senior Inspector Elisandro Quijano said they are already fed up with VSMMC prohibiting police officers from entering its premises and interview crime victims or suspects being rushed to the hospital.

“Ingon sila (VSMMC) nga seguridad kuno sa mga pasyente ang ilang gitan-aw. Di man na’ bugo ang atong mga sakop nga magpataka na lang sa trabaho. Ug dili motingog ang pasyente, dili man pud mi mamugos,” expressed Quijano.

He said they want to go inside the hospital only to get the statement of the crime victims, especially those who are already dying.

“Importante kaayo nang dying declaration kay daghang nang nasulbad nga kaso ana. Mao na’y usa sa gusto namo nga mahibaw-an, basin og makahatag og vital information ang pasyente,” Quijano explained.

According to Quijano, police officers and security guards of VSMMC would usually end up in a heated argument every time a crime victim is rushed to the hospital and they want to get inside too.

“Katungod sa matag pasyente nga mahatag namo ang hustisya sa ilang kaso. Ug dili mi pasudlon, unsaon man namo pag-imbestigar?” Quijano further expressed.

According to him, VSMMC’s policy seems to belittle the police force, saying he could not fathom why a government hospital would not allow police authorities inside.

Contrary to VCMMS, Quijano said they are allowed to go inside Cebu City Medical Center, another public hospital in the city, as well as privately-operated Chong Hua Hospital, provided they leave their firearms at the front desk.

The CCPO official said he will consult the matter with the Police Community Advisory Council.

He said they already sent a letter to the hospital’s management last August requesting them to meet the police regarding the issue, but they have not yet received any word from the management. — /NSA (FREEMAN)