• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
After receiving backlash, Cauayan District Hospital in Negros Occidental issued a statement disputing the online allegations that have been circulating over the facility’s inefficiency in handling a shooting victim from Barangay Isio on January 1.
The allegations emerged after the family of the victim, Erwin Flores, 30, who was shot by Keyer Agustin, 33, a son of the Barangay Isio chairman, expressed deep dismay over what they claimed as the hospital’s failure to respond effectively to a life-threatening situation.
The bereaved family claimed that the hospital allegedly ran out of oxygen and refused to transfer Flores to another medical facility despite the critical nature of his condition.
Flores succumbed to his gunshot wounds at the hospital.
In a statement released on January 2, Cauayan District Hospital refuted the claims, stating, “Based on the patient’s record, upon arrival at the Emergency Room, the patient was promptly received, assessed, and provided with the necessary emergency medical management, including oxygen therapy via face mask, establishment of intravenous access, administration of emergency medications, and continuous close monitoring.”
The hospital further clarified that “adequate oxygen supply was available and was promptly administered to the patient,” contradicting reports of oxygen depletion.
Additionally, the hospital explained that referral to a higher-level medical facility was discussed with the family. However, the patient’s partner was undecided about transferring him to another hospital. The hospital also noted that an ambulance was on standby while awaiting their decision.
The hospital emphasized that, despite these circumstances, the patient later went into cardiac arrest. It also assured the public that no special or preferential treatment was given to any patient involved in the incident. All patients were managed fairly and equally by the medical staff, based on the severity of their conditions and in accordance with standard emergency protocols.
Cauayan District Hospital urged the public to refrain from spreading “unfounded accusations that result in unjust shaming of hospital and medical staff.”
THE CASE
At around 2 a.m. on January 1, a nephew of Flores was involved in a confrontation with Agustin, after the latter threw a firecracker in the midst of residents who were loudly revving motorcycles on the streets of Purok 7, Barangay Isio.
The nephew of Flores was injured in the incident.
A video posted by 99.7 Brigada Kabankalan shows Agustin retrieving a baseball bat from his car after being confronted by several residents.
Angered, Agustin left the scene in his car, while threatening to return.
A few minutes later, he allegedly returned and confronted Flores and companions. He then reportedly drew a firearm from his waistband.
According to police reports, Flores reportedly hacked the suspect with a bladed weapon during the confrontation, inflicting a head wound.
In response, Agustin fired his firearm multiple times, hitting Flores in various parts of his body.
Flores’ brother disarmed Agustin’s .45 caliber firearm, recovering three live ammunition rounds and four fired cartridge cases at the scene, which were turned over to the Cauayan Municipal Police Station.
Responders rushed Flores and Agustin to the district hospital where Flores succumbed to his gunshot wounds.*
