Jailed massacre suspect seriously ill

MANILA, Philippines - A suspect in the Maguindanao massacre trial has developed serious illnesses while in detention at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig for the multiple murder case.

Maot Dumla, alias Nhot Abdul, was diagnosed to be suffering from congested heart failure, pneumonia and tuberculosis based on a medical certificate signed by Obdin de Guzman, medical officer at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital.

De Guzman said Dumla was brought to the hospital on Feb. 15 after he suffered difficulty in breathing, swelling of his lower extremities and body malaise.

Senior Inspector Lloyd Gonzaga of the Quezon City jail-annex, in a letter submitted to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221, said the suspect suffered from disorientation and even failed to recognize his wife and other relatives.

Despite doctors’ advice, Gonzaga said the wife and sibling of Dumla signed a waiver of discharge and refused to let him undergo further medical tests.

He was brought back to his detention cell at Camp Bagong Diwa on Feb. 16.