By Moira Encina
Eagle News Service
The Public Attorneys Office has filed three more criminal complaints against current and former officials of the Department of Health, among others, in connection with the Dengvaxia mess.
According to PAO chief Persida Acosta, the three complaints for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and for violation of the anti-torture act and the consumer protection act also against Sanofi Pasteur officials and Zuellig Pharma officials were filed in behalf of the families of Cristine Mae de Guzman, Erico Lian Rez and Clariza Alcantara.
The three died after they were reportedly administered the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine.
According to Acosta, like the other victims, De Guzman, Rez and Alcantara suffered symptoms that include headache, stomachache and vomiting.
She said that based on the autopsy of the victims’ remains, they suffered bleeding and had a swelling of their brains and organs.
With the three additional complaints, Acosta said a total of 15 complaints have already been filed against the respondents in connection with the deaths of individuals who were administered Dengvaxia.
Acosta said an additional nine cases will be filed subsequently.
She said 81 victims have already been subjected to scrutiny by PAO forensic doctors.
In a related development, the DOJ panel of prosecutors continued its preliminary investigation into the first Dengvaxia cases filed by PAO.
The respondents submitted their rejoinder affidavits.
The next hearing was scheduled on Oct. 1.