KM Viray
In a video uploaded by netizen Salvador Torallo Abilong Jr., a man was shown bleeding on a street in Caloocan City on May 11, 2015. He was surrounded by bystanders and local barangay officials. Barangay officials apparently refused to intervene and bring the victim to the hospital because they claimed that the wounded man was “evidence” in the incident.
It was only after the man’s brother arrived at the scene did they allow the victim to be moved. It was, however, too late as the victim had already lost too much blood. He died soon after the incident.
Questions were raised if the barangay officials had made a mistake in not attending to the victim as soon as they saw him wounded. Also, that they might not have wanted to worsen the victim’s condition with their actions.
According to the Good Samaritan law, the government may offer immunity to “good Samaritans,” that is, someone who renders aid in an emergency to an injured person on a voluntary basis. There are contradictions to this, however, as the act or omission may be considered gross negligence. The barangay officials and the bystanders were perhaps unwilling to give aid to the victim for fear of doing more harm than good.
The police have yet to comment on the incident. Updates will be posted as the story unravels.
