Ambush of gov't doctor in Maguindanao del Sur condemned

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte condemned Wednesday the ambush of a government physician in Maguindanao del Sur earlier this month. 

Dr. Sharmaine Barroquillo, who works in the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital, was driving her car in Buluan town when she was attacked by unidentified gunmen on the evening of February 3. Barroquillo survived the attack.

Duterte said the incident reflects the state of security and order in the country. 

“Sana ay hindi tayo tumigil hanggang mabigyan ng hustisya ang sinapit ni Dr. Barroquillo at managot ang mga gumawa nito sa kanya,” the vice president said. 

(We hope that we do not stop until justice is served to Dr. Barroquillo and those responsible for this are held accountable.)

“Ang ating panawagan ay tiyakin ng mga responsableng ahensya ng pamahalaan na ligtas ang ating mga mamamayan laban sa banta ng mga kriminal, terorista, at iba pang pwersa na nagnanais na takutin ang ating mamamayan at pahirapan ang ating bansa,” she added. 

(Our call is to ensure that responsible government agencies ensure the safety of our citizens against the threat of criminals, terrorists, and other forces that seek to intimidate our people and harm our country.)

After the attack, the wounded Barroquillo managed to drive her car away from the scene of the incident.

Medical responders and personnel from the Bulaan Municipal Police Station brought her to a hospital for treatment. 

“Dr. Shai, at such a young age and with a bright future ahead of her, will have to spend months and perhaps even years to regain and optimize her functional abilities,” the batchmates of Barroquillo and faculty members of the Davao Medical School earlier said. 

They pointed out that instead of working abroad, Barroquillo chose to serve the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where there is one physician to 32,000 people.

“Dr. Sharmaine does not deserve this. Her patients do not deserve this.” — Gaea Katreena Cabico