Bangayan confined in Laoag hospital

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – The head of the Laoag City General hospital (LCGH) yesterday confirmed that suspected rice smuggling king David Bangayan is confined in the hospital and being treated for back pain and loose bowel movement.

LCGH director Francis Dacuycuy said Bangayan, suspected to be smuggler David Tan, was responding well to medication.

Earlier, Bangayan’s lawyer told the Senate committee on agriculture headed by Sen. Cynthia Villar that his client was confined at the LCGH.

The committee resumed investigation of the rice smuggling issue last Monday but Bangayan failed to appear.

Dacuycuy said that he advised Bangayan to remain in the hospital for further treatment and observation.

Bangayan was reportedly admitted to the hospital last Sunday.

The STAR learned that Bangayan arrived here last Saturday on a Philppine Airlines flight.

Dacuycuy said that he could not yet say when Bangayan would be released from the hospital.

Laoag City Mayor Chevyl Fariñas expressed surprise upon learning of the presence of Bangayan in the local hospital.

Fariñas said she didn’t know his purpose in seeking treatment here instead of Manila where he is based.

Hospital officials have barred newsmen from interviewing Bangayan.