Marawi mom blames Maute group after son dies of meningitis amid clashes

The son of a displaced Marawi City woman died of meningitis after he was not given immediate medical attention.

According to a Balitanghali report by GMA News’ Saleema Refran on Monday, Aquizah Barazar blamed the clashes in the city for the death of her son, Sayeed.

“Napakasakit po sa akin kasi without this war, hindi po mamamatay ang anak ko, even though he’s a special child,” Barazar said.

“‘Yun po ang naidulot sa amin ng ginawa ng Maute group. Andaming namatay po,” she added.

Sayeed was first brought to Tamparan Hospital in Lanao Del Sur, but was recommended transferred to Iligan City as the hospital could not accommodate his situation.

But when they arrived at Iligan City, Sayeed died.

According to volunteer doctor Hanif Comayat, Sayeed could have survived if he was transported to Iligan City earlier.

“One week po na naghihintay siya para mai-transport dito sa Iligan. Kung sana nai-transport dito nang mas maaga, buhay pa sana ang bata,” Comayat said.

Barazar, however, will not give up until she has laid her son to a safe resting place, even if she had to carry him in her arms throughout the hours-long trip to Marantao, Lanao Del Sur.

“Hindi ko po kaya. Hindi ko po malilimutan. ‘Yung anak ko po, he’s a special child. Mahal na mahal ko po siya,” she said in tears.

“Because of this war, because of this giyera, ‘yun ang nangyari sa anak ko. Nawala sa akin ang anak ko,” she added. —Erwin Colcol/NB/RSJ, GMA News