The Cebu City Police Office is asking the couple who filed a complaint against the doctors and staff of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) to allow them to conduct an autopsy on their son who died hour after birth.
“If the family cooperates, we can conduct an autopsy so that we will find out what caused the infant’s death,” Senior Supt. Benjamin Santos, Cebu City police chief, said.
While verbal testimonies are good, he said there has to be scientific findings to help bolster the case.
Spouses Edalene and Roldan Añosa on Wednesday requested the Women and Children’s Protection Desk of the Cebu City police to investigate the doctors and medical staff of the VSMMC who attended to Edalene when she gave birth last June 5.
Health Secretary Janette Garin also ordered the Department of Health to investigate the infant’s death, especially since the death certificate did not mention how the baby died.
Although she was earlier told by a doctor to give birth via Caesarean section, Edalene said those who facilitated the delivery of her son opted for a normal delivery.
She said the infant’s head got stuck during labor and medical attendants tried to forcibly pull the baby out several times.
When the baby came out, he was immediately brought to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but died hours after.
Photos of the baby showed dark patches which appeared to be bruises on his skin.
Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO-7) chief, assured the infant’s parents that they will look into the case.
“This is a public crime so the city police can investigate. If there is sufficient evidence, this could fall under negligence,” he said.