Source: Oliver E. Barroquillo
"We are devastated to announce that my daughter Dr. SHARMAINE CEBALLOS BARROQUILLO, recently fell victim to a motorcycle-riding-in-tandem attack on the National Highway of Buluan, Maguindanao. Dr. Barroquillo. At the time of the incident, she was en route from Davao to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital, where she diligently serves as a medical doctor.
Three gunmen, accompanied by other accomplices, attempted to flag her down, firing warning shots for her to stop. Despite their attempts, she managed to accelerate her car; however, her effort to escape was hampered by broken and unlighted roads. As the gunmen regain opportunity mercilessly shot her three times. Despite sustaining three gunshot wounds, including injuries to her left shoulder and lower back that penetrated her spinal cord, Dr. Barroquillo displayed remarkable resilience and presence of mind and managed to drive continuously evading her assailants.
Upon reaching the front of Buluan District Hospital she gradually lost consciousness and collided with a green tricycle coming from the opposite direction, loaded with three passengers. This collision resulted in serious physical injuries, causing her to lose control of her vehicle, which ultimately bumped into a nearby house along the road.
As a father, I passionately seek justice for my daughter who together with my wife, raised her to become a responsible and passionate human being. It pains us to see her suffering and experience the world’s cruelty when as parents, we only wanted her to reach her dreams and significantly contribute to society. We have endured sacrifices working abroad to support her and prepare for her future. But now, we ask ourselves, what does the future entail when selfish and evil strangers violently attempt to steal what we collectively prepared for her?
In the wake of this incident, we express both pride in her courage and devastation at the tragedy. As our family confronts this challenge, it is our primary concern to secure medical assistance for the family inadvertently affected during Sharmaine’s escape. We also implore government agencies to collaborate in addressing the rampant issues of killings and robberies in the area. Specifically, we appeal to the LGU and peace and order council to prioritize programs and budgets for road safety, urging them to repair roads, install solar lights and CCTV, and increase and maximize support for crime prevention efforts in the local PNP and AFP. It is our prayer that no other families will experience similar pain and devastation that we feel right now because the pain is UNFATHOMABLE.
The Barroquillo family calls on the public to stand united in seeking justice for Dr. Sharmaine Ceballos Barroquillo using the hashtag #JusticeForDrShaiBarroquillo"
February 11, 2024
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