Retired nurse's aide caught in abortion clinic

MANILA, Philippines - A retired nurse’s aide was allegedly caught in the act of performing an abortion at a clandestine clinic in Makati City Monday.   

Paz Diestro, 76, allegedly performs abortion procedures on women for a fee, according to Chief Inspector Fernando Opelanio, chief of the District Police Intelligence and Operations Unit (DPIOU) of the Manila Police District.

Opelanio said an informant set a deal with Diestro for an abortion procedure worth P4,000. DPIOU operatives tailed the informant and Diestro’s alleged agent, who took a cab from Quiapo to a house in Barangay Olympia, Makati City.

Police raided the house and Opelanio said Diestro was caught performing an abortion on a 30-year-old woman from Pasay City. Police found a bedpan containing a three-month-old fetus, forceps, a speculum, and a pack of diapers.

The woman is recuperating at the Ospital ng Maynila, where she was treated for bleeding. Despite the recovered evidence, Diestro said she did not perform an abortion and claimed the patient only sought her assistance for stomach cramps.

Opelanio said he learned that Diestro allegedly has agents around the Quiapo area who earn a commission for every patient brought to her.

Opelanio is preparing appropriate charges against Diestro and her patient. “Even those who seek abortion are equally guilty,” he said.