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Ambushed DPWH exec Aquino dies in hospital

By MARK MERUEÑAS, GMANews.TV

NEWS "ON THE SIDE"
A fast tracker, a work buff
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is proud of having Ramon Padua Aquino as one of its undersecretaries. Aquino, born in San Fernando, La Union on Sept. 29, 1954, was described by the DPWH as one of its “most effective engineers." He was often called a “fast tracker and a “work buff" at his office, according to the department. “Through the years, he matured into an effective manager and conscientious leader. Soon enough, he earned the respect of his employees, his peers, and even his superiors, because of the principles he had upheld - public service, leadership by example, diplomacy and dedication to duty," the DPW said on its - Web site. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of the East in 1977 and passed his Civil Engineers Licensure Examination on the same year. In 1989, he took up Masters of Science degree in Construction Management. After a decade, he was conferred the Career Executive Service Officer Rank IV. He is married to Dr. Teresita O. Aquino. They have four children. - GMANews.TV
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official attacked on March 11 in Manila died Thursday afternoon after being confined at the Manila Doctor’s Hospital for more than a week. Mark Brian Palacios, the hospital’s corporate communications officer, confirmed the death of DPWH Undersecretary Ramon Aquino, who was shot by still unidentified man while on board his vehicle inside the compound of the DPWH main office along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. "We are confirming that Undersecretary Ramon Aquino unfortunately passed away at 3:58 p.m. today [Thursday]," Palacios told GMANews.TV in a phone interview. In a medical bulletin released around 6 p.m., doctors indicated that Aquino died due to multiple organ failure with acute respiratory distress syndrome. “Number one [reason] is organ failure. Ibig sabihin nito nagkaroon ng lung failure. Pangalawa is liver failure. Naiipon ang ammonia sa blood at nakaka-depress sa utak iyon [His lung and liver failed. There was a build of ammonia in the blood and affected his brain]," said Dr Dante Morales over the radio. Morales said the organ failure was triggered by sepsis, which in turn stemmed from pneumonia and abdomen infection. Morales also detailed the wounds that Aquino sustained after the attack. “There were several severe lacerations on the liver that made the liver bleed so much and there was also laceration on the right lung right diaphragm and right upper arm laceration," he said. Upon the Aquino family’s request, the hospital management has tightened security in the medical facility and observed a "news blackout" until his death. Asked how the DPWH official’s family reacted to the news, Palacio said: "They are in fact the ones who gave us clearance to confirm Mr. Aquino’s death." Morales said Aquino’s sister, brother and wife – Teresita – were at the DPWH official’s side when he passed away. A day before the attack on Aquino, unidentified men also ambushed Camilo Guarin – assistant regional director of the Land Transportation Office – National Capital Region. Guarin survived the ambush and is currently recuperating in a hospital in Quezon City. The attacks on Guarin and Aquino death alarmed Malacañang so much so that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered a thorough investigation on the shooting incidents. After the strafing incident, Aquino emerged hurt along with his aide Antonio Caneleta and driver Victor Salonga. Morales could not say much about the conditions of Caneleta and Salonga, but indicated that they are still recuperating. “I cannot say too much but I saw on the first day the driver at may some lacerations siya na mukhang nag-lodge ng bullet," Morales said. “Pero iyong nasa kanan na harapan may tama sa arteries that lead to the brain [An artery that leads to the brain of Caneleta was hit]. Fortunately it was [remedied] by a blood vessel specialist," he added. - GMANews.TV
Tags: dpwh, ramonaquino
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