QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — The Department of Health is now studying the possibility of providing additional security escorts and added compensation for those who would volunteer for the government’s “Doctors to the Barrios” program following the killing of another volunteer doctor in Cotabato City.
Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said that the killing of Doctor Sajid “Jaja” Sinolinding and his security escort made them rethink that there should be additional safety that should be provided by the Philippine National Police to the volunteer doctors in critical areas.
“Yan po ay pinag-aaralan pa natin kasama ng pag-aaral din sa mga benepisyo ng mga doktor na nagtatrabaho sa mga conflict-affected areas katulad ng Cotabato City at ibang parte ng Mindanao na medyo mataas ang rate ng mga ganitong insidente. Pinag-aaralan din po natin na sa tulong ng PNP at mga ahensya ng gobyerno kung paano ma-ensure ang safety hindi lamang ng mga doktor kundi ng buong komunidad,” Ubial said.
According to reports, Dr. Sajid “Jaja” Sinolinding and his security escort, Mohamed Esmael were gunned down by unknown men inside a clinic in Cotabato City at around 11:10 AM on Tuesday, April 18.
A similar killing took place in Lanao Del Norte last month.