Ailing massacre suspect refuses hospitalization

MANILA, Philippines - A suspect in the Maguindanao massacre case who was previously diagnosed with serious illnesses has refused to undergo treatment despite an order from the court.

Suspect Maot Dumla, also known as Not Abdul, submitted a written waiver to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 informing Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes that he does not want to undergo treatment. 

He was earlier diagnosed with congestive heart failure, pneumonia and tuberculosis. 

Dumla’s wife, Taya Talon, also signed the document. 

The couple said they decided to refuse hospitalization despite an explanation given by officials of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. They did not say why they refused treatment.

In a letter to Solis-Reyes, Senior Inspector Lloyd Gonzaga – warden of the Quezon City Jail-Annex – said Dumla issued the written waiver upon their receipt of a court order for his hospitalization. 

Earlier, public attorney Laguindab Marohombsar asked the court to allow the hospitalization of the suspect at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital. 

Marohombsar said Dumla’s condition continues to deteriorate as he has yet to receive proper medication for his illnesses. 

The suspect was brought to the same hospital on Feb. 15 after suffering from difficulty in breathing, swelling of lower extremities and body malaise. 

He also suffered from disorientation and even failed to recognize his wife and other relatives. 

Dumla was brought back to his detention cell in Camp Bagong Diwa after his wife and sister issued a waiver of discharge against medical advice. 

He is among the 113 suspects arrested for the Nov. 23, 2009 bloodshed. 

The STAR earlier learned that he was among the nine suspects brought to hospitals since last year.