Sultan Kudarat hospital demands justice for health worker attacked with bleach

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) — A hospital in Sultan Kudarat called for justice on Saturday after a group of strangers allegedly attacked one of its health workers by throwing bleach at his face.

Tacurong City’s St. Louis Hospital said five people “ganged up” on one of its personnel on his way home, Friday afternoon. The group splattered bleach all over his face but he was able to immediately seek treatment at the hospital.

“The incident has since been reported to the President Quirino Police Station. At this time, we respectfully DEMAND that justice be given,” hospital management said in a statement.

The hospital appealed to the public to refrain from discriminating against health workers who are at the frontlines of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our personnel is a breadwinner, AS MANY OF OUR FRONTLINERS ARE, who in the present pandemonium, chose to bravely continue their duties to the community,” the statement said.

Earlier, the Department of Health also urged the public not to discriminate against health workers, after receiving reports that some landlords evicted them over fear that they might spread the disease.

"Hindi po ito ang panahon para talikuran natin ang ating healthcare workers,” said Maria Vergeire, Health Spokesperson on Tuesday.

[Translation: This is not the time to turn our backs on our health care workers]