'Florence' now out of hospital

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation brought “Florence,” the volunteer nurse who was gang-raped in Maguindanao last Sept. 25, out of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here early yesterday morning.

SPMC executive director Leopoldo Vega said the NBI agents were just waiting for the right time to bring Florence out of the hospital at 5 a.m. yesterday without getting much public and even media attention.

“We are already through with the curative aspects of the treatment of the victim and she was already fit for discharge. She has already recovered her motor and cognitive functions,” Vega said.

He added that Florence has shown remarkable recovery after more than 40 days of confinement. She was in comatose when she was first brought to the SPMC.

Vega said though that Florence would have to continue her psychiatric and psychological treatment even if she is out of the hospital.

He said Florence is now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the NBI. “She is no longer under our care,” he said.

The NBI agents reportedly brought Florence to a safehouse here where she could be given ample protection.

Security for Florence has been further tightened, as her family has refused to return to Cotabato City where they used to live prior to the incident.

An elder sister of Florence earlier told The STAR that they remain fearful since the perpetrators are still at large.

“We do not know them but they know us. That is why we really fear for our lives,” she said.

Florence has yet to formally face investigators and give details about her ordeal, as she suffered lapses in her memory due to severe head contusions she sustained in the attack.

Sen. Francis Escudero, who personally greeted Florence on her birthday last Wednesday, was reportedly instrumental in finding a place for Florence after her discharge from the SPMC.

Presidential sister and actress Kris Aquino, who visited Florence, too, last Sunday night, also vowed to help Florence and other similar rape victims in their quest for justice.

Escudero assailed the slow justice for Florence, as it has already been two months since the attack.