Cosmetic surgery clinic in woman's death to cooperate in probe

MANILA, Philippines — The clinic where a 29-year-old businesswoman died Sunday expressed its sympathies to her family as it promised to cooperate with authorities to identify the cause of her death.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Icon Clinic said that it was taking all steps necessary to ascertain the reason behind the death of Shiryl Saturnino, who died while undergoing loposuction and breast and butt surgery at the clinic in Mandaluyong City.

“Taos pusong nakikiramay ang The Icon Clinic sa pamilya ng pumanaw na si Bb. Shiryl Saturnino,” Estelita Corder, legal counsel of Icon Clinic, said. “Sa ngayon, on-going ang imbestigasyon kung ano talaga ang sanhi ng kanyang pagpanaw.”

Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, Eastern Police District director, ordered a probe into Saturnino’s death as requested by her parents.

“We should determine whether there is negligence during the operation and file necessary charges,” Sapitula said.

The clinic also promised to release to the public the findings of the investigation into Saturnino’s death as it assured its clients and patients that it was open to give them services.

“Responsibilidad po namin sa publiko ang malaman ninyo ang katotohanan at ginagawa po namin ang lahat at kasalukuyan po kaming nakikipagtulungan sa abot ng aming makakaya upang malaman kung ano ang totoong nangyayari sa di inaasahang pagpanaw ni Bb. Saturnino,” Cordero said.

Cordero added that Icon Clinic is aiding the businesswoman’s family during this difficult time.

Saturnino had been a regular patient of Icon Clinic, the lawyer said.

Initial results of the investigation showed that Saturnino and Shiela Mae Anabe Deinla, a relative, went to the clinic at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Jose Jovito Mendiola and Samuel Eric Yapjuangco, doctors of Icon Clinic, performed the operation that lasted up to 2:40 a.m. Sunday.

The doctors tried to revive Saturnino after they noticed that her heart was no longer beating. She was pronounced dead at 3:21 a.m. by a medical team from Makati Medical Center.