Businesswoman dies during cosmetic surgery

MANILA, Philippines - A 29-year-old businesswoman died while undergoing liposuction and breast and butt surgery at a clinic in Mandaluyong City Sunday.

Doctors tried to save Shiryl Saturnino, who was declared dead at around 3:21 a.m.

Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, Eastern Police District (EPD) director, ordered an investigation into Saturnino’s death upon the request of her parents, Noli and Shirley Saturnino.

“We should determine whether there is negligence during the operation and file necessary charges,” Sapitula said in his directive to Senior Superintendent Joaquin Alva, city police chief.

Initial investigation showed that the victim, along with a relative, Shiela Mae Anabe Deinla, arrived at the Icon Clinic at around 5 p.m. Saturday.

Alva said Saturnino was scheduled to undergo breast augmentation, liposuction and butt surgery.

After she was admitted, Saturnino was brought to the operating room and doctors Jose Jovito Mendiola and Samuel Eric Yapjuangco performed the surgery that lasted until around 2:40 a.m. Sunday.

However, doctors then noticed Saturnino’s heart was no longer beating. They tried to revive her through mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

The doctors sought the help of Makati Medical Center but Dr. Kristel Marie del Rosario, who was with the medical team ambulance, pronounced Saturnino dead at around 3:21 a.m.

Alva said Mendiola and Yapjuangco promised “our police investigators that they would cooperate fully in our probe of the incident. They promised to forward their statements regarding the case as prepared by their respective lawyers.”

He said they are also waiting for the result of the autopsy before determining the charges to be filed against the two doctors.