Friday, August 24, 2007 Usep denies inaction on electrocuted coeds
ADMINISTRATORS of the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) on Thursday clarified "erroneous reports" of the local media accusing the school administration of inaction on the August 16 accidental electrocution of two female students within the campus.
In a statement issued through Usep counsel Ramon Edison Batacan, the university officials assured the public that all efforts are being exerted in order to ease the burden of the two victims -- Lyneth Bajenting and Shiela May Barnaldez.
"At the outset, the Usep administrators, faculty and staff would like to express our deepest regret for the fate that Lyneth and Shiela suffered resulting from accidental electrocution that happened the day prior to a scheduled concert on August 17 at the Usep Grounds. The concert was an activity organized by RMN DXDC Davao and which arrangement with Usep was for the rental of the ground as the venue of the concert,” the statement read.
It added: "The administration shouldered the expenses for the medical treatment and will continue to do so until their full recovery. More than the financial assistance, the University officials have provided the necessary moral support through their presence at the hospital. Also, our student council has continued its effort to extend all kinds of assistance to Lyneth and Shiela.”
The school officials said they have instructed the University’s medical officer to be constantly in touch with the attending doctors to see the progress of the medical treatment, adding they are thankful that the two students are now out of danger.
Also, they stated that the university has commissioned an internal fact-finding group to shed light on the circumstances that led to the accident.
The administration also admitted that "this fateful event taught us to revisit our policies with respect to activities undertaken by other entities and which facilities of the University are being used or rented. With this, accidents like this may be abated."
