Critical Condition of Nueva Ecija School Shooting Victim
In Nueva Ecija, a 15-year-old girl shot point-blank in the head inside a classroom remains in critical condition. Doctors emphasized that surgery would be too risky for the victim, whose life hangs in the balance at a local hospital.
The incident occurred in Santa Rosa town, where the alleged former boyfriend, an 18-year-old Grade 12 student from another school, reportedly shot the girl before turning the gun on himself. He later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, officials reported.
Medical Update from Hospital Officials
Dr. Allan Von Casallo, a neurosurgeon consultant at Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRMC), said the victim remains unconscious and dependent on life support in the surgical intensive care unit. She was transferred to PJGMRMC from a private hospital on August 7.
“Upon arrival at the ER, she was already in a coma. Her blood pressure was low, and she was no longer breathing on her own,” Casallo explained in a medical bulletin. He added that without immediate hospital admission and life support, the victim would likely have succumbed to her injuries.
Zero-Billing Policy Eases Medical Burden
As a Department of Health (DOH) hospital, PJGMRMC follows a zero-billing policy. This means all medical services—from admission and diagnostics to life support and medication—are provided free of charge to the patient, Casallo stressed.
He also debunked circulating social media claims that the victim’s hospital stay was incurring huge expenses. “The hospital has never imposed monetary charges as a condition for her continued medical care or any necessary procedure,” he clarified.
High Risks Prevent Surgery or Transfer
Currently, doctors say that surgical intervention or transferring the patient to another facility carries a significant risk of cardiac or pulmonary arrest. Given the fragility of her condition, these options remain off the table for now.
Ongoing Investigation Into Firearm Ownership
Meanwhile, Santa Rosa police chief Major Williard Dulnuan confirmed that investigators are still working to determine the ownership of the .22 caliber firearm used in the shooting. Community members said the weapon’s origin remains unclear as authorities continue their inquiry.
Incident Location and Community Impact
The shooting took place inside a classroom at Santa Rosa Integrated School (SRIS). Local leaders noted the tragedy has deeply shocked the community, prompting calls for enhanced security measures in schools across the province.
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