NBI nabs doctor for abortion

National Bureau of Investigation reported the arrest last week of a female doctor of the Manila City Health Department and her husband for allegedly engaging in abortion activities and bribery.

Lawyer Ricardo Diaz, director of the NBI Criminal Investigation Division (CRID), identified the suspects as Teresita Delizo Ventura, 64, Medical Officer 5 of the Manila City Health Department, of no. 919 Leo Street, Sampaloc, Manila; and her husband Manuel.

Diaz said they filed charges of violation of Article 259 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) otherwise known as the anti-abortion law against Dr. Ventura, while her husband was slapped with violating provisions of Article 212 of the RPC or corruption of public officials. The charges were filed at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.

Dr. Ventura denied allegations that she was performing abortions.

She clarified that she only helps pregnant women if the fetus they are carrying are already dead inside their womb using herbal drugs.

Investigation conducted by the NBI-CRID showed that last July 9, the bureau received information that a makeshift clinic in Sampaloc was being used as a front for illegal activities. Dr. Ventura was using her house as an abortion clinic, the NBI sent an undercover agent who pretended to be a pregnant woman wanting to abort her baby. She was instructed to undergo an obstetrical ultrasound to determine the months of her pregnancy.

On July 24, the suspect demanded P10,000 service fee and scheduled the operation for July 26. Agents of the NBI-CRID arrested her after she received the marked money just before the medical procedure.

Ventura was brought to the bureau and was found positive for fluorescent powder on both her hands.

As they were traveling to the NBI head office, the suspect allegedly offered bribe money to the agents in return for her release.

The following day, her husband Manuel arrived at the bureau and gave the P100,000 to Special Investigator Rodrigo Mapoy. Manuel was immediately arrested.