Offers of help comfort Casiños

PLEDGES of financial support and prayers poured out yesterday for Assistant Cebu City Prosecutor Maria Theresa Casiño, who remained in a hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after getting shot.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima contacted the family on Tuesday night and offered assistance, said Jojo Cornejo, the prosecutor’s brother.

“We truly welcome all these gestures that were shown by our colleagues, friends and other people who are concerned. We truly appreciate them,” said Cornejo.

Both Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district) and Mayor Michael Rama made arrangements for the private hospital to continue treating the prosecutor.

“I gave instructions not to stop treatment and I would guarantee payment,” said a text message from Osmeña, who added that he will offer his P300,000 Christmas bonus as assistance.

Rama, for his part, said he already communicated with the administrator to keep providing treatment, whatever the cost.

The mayor also revealed that Councilor Edgardo Labella will draft resolution to commend PO2 Celso Rivera and PO1 Oriel Hagupit, with the possibility of a cash incentive.

Rivera and Hagupit shot John Pope, the gunman, before he allegedly turned the gun on himself. (See related story)

Casiño was on the opposite wing of the Palace of Justice from where the shooting began, but Pope sought her out and shot her in the hallway.

Cornejo said she remained conscious and responsive, but will have to be sedated so she can rest.

“Magsige man siya’g lihok-lihok, and makigtabi sad siya (She keeps moving and chatting with) anyone who visits her. It might stress her out and she needs to sleep, too,” said Cornejo.

She will remain in the ICU while the doctors decide when to take the bullet out of her nape.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 7 Director Gloria Tango said they are considering a fund-raiser to help the Casiño couple. The Casiños have two young children.

Prosecutor Casiño’s husband works with DOLE.

Cornejo also expressed thanks for the offers to donate blood, when the word spread that Casiño would need some donors before her surgery.