Doctor in UP hazing shows up at NBI

Was Dr. Francisco Cruz used as a scapegoat by the real people responsible for the death of University of the Philippines (UP) student Cris Anthony Mendez?

Cruz’s lawyer, Norberto Malit, believes that his client – an ophthalmologist and consultant at the Veterans’ Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) – and his son, Miguel Francisco, were left to deal with the then unconscious Mendez.

Initial evidence showed that it was Cruz who brought Mendez to the VMMC’s emergency room, where he was later pronounced dead at past 1 a.m. on Aug. 27. An autopsy report stated that he bore several hematomas on his arms, feet and legs, but no open wounds.

Malit said Cruz has remained silent during the past three weeks because he wanted to protect his son, a first year law student at UP and a neophyte member of the Sigma Rho Fraternity (SRF).

Malit said he was only hired last Sept. 27 and he convinced Cruz to cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Cruz’s former lawyer, Rafael Armovit, reportedly advised him not to make a personal appearance before the NBI. Armovit was allegedly provided by the SRF.

“My client had every intention to come forward in the investigation. However, the advice of his former lawyer is different from my own. He was previously advised not to participate in the investigation. I told him to come out otherwise they might put the blame on him,” Malit said.

It was alleged that certain people instructed Cruz’s son to bring Mendez to their house since his father is a doctor.

“It was his son who brought a dying person or someone already dead to his home...As a doctor, it was natural for him to bring him to the hospital,” Malit said.

Malit described the younger Cruz to be gullible.

“He was not even allowed to participate in the hazing. I have not talked to Mico but I think even he would be willing to talk and tell us what personal knowledge he may have, just give him one week. I would also want to know why he did not directly brought the victim to the hospital,” he said.

Malit is wondering why other people who know the circumstances surrounding Mendez’s death have not come forward. He is hopeful that Cruz’s willingness to cooperate in the probe would convince others to give their statements.

The NBI’s Anti-Terrorism Division (ATD), under Head Agent Romulo Asis, earlier threatened to file obstruction of justice charges against Cruz had he ignored their third and final summons. Asis declined to reveal Cruz’s testimony.   – Evelyn Macairan