Gang-rape leaves nurse paralyzed

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Severe head injuries sustained by a 21-year-old volunteer-nurse when she was gang-raped in South Upi, Maguindanao last week have left half of her body paralyzed, doctors said.

Dr. Tahir Sulaik, chief of the Integrated Health Office in Maguindanao, reported though that the victim, confined at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center under heavy guard, is now conscious and recuperating.

Sulaik said the health and labor departments of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have signified their readiness to pay the victim her stipend until her sixth-month contract with the government expires.

“That is a special humanitarian consideration. We also ought to thank all the sectors, including the Philippine National Police, for investigating extensively this rape incident which involves a volunteer-nurse whose only intention is to help serve the people in the very remote South Upi town,” Sulaik said.

Sulaik said the right side of the victim’s body has shown signs of paralysis, apparently due to the severe head injuries she sustained in the attack.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, ARMM executive secretary, personally handed to the victim’s father P64,000 as initial assistance from officials and employees of regional departments.

Sulaik said the victim might be able to identify her attackers after a week if she recuperates fast.

Six suspects have been arrested, but South Upi residents, among them Muslim religious leaders, believe that they are mere fall guys and that the real culprits, who are children of influential families, remain at large.

Senior Superintendent Jacinto Malinao, regional chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said they are just awaiting the doctors’ permission to interview the victim.

“We assure the public there will be no whitewash in this case,” Malinao told reporters.