Sick SAF trooper on Samar duty airlifted to Crame hospital
A PHILIPPINE National Police Special Action Force (SAF) commando who fell ill along with his two fellows after undergoing a combat mission in Northern Samar was airlifted to the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) in Camp Crame early morning Saturday, the head of the elite unit said.
SAF Director Brigadier General Edgar Alan O. Okubo said that Patrolman Rowello M. Vasquez fell ill with two of his classmates from the SAF Commando Course Class 115 after finishing their mission in the province known for having a large presence of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas.
The cop was initially diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis. Further examination also showed he had dengue hemorrhagic fever with warning signs of leptospirosis.
Okubo said Vasquez needed to be transported immediately to the PNPGH due to kidney failure since hospitals in the province could not address his situation.
Around 6:00 a.m. Saturday, a PNP helicopter piloted by Major Leah Amoguis left the PNP hangar in Manila for the Calbayog Airport. The team was tasked to bring the sick SAF trooper to the Camp Crame hospital.
