Midwife behind botched circumcision on 10-year-old boy in Tondo arrested

GMA Network

14-07-2025

The midwife who conducted a fatal circumcision operation on a 10-year-old in Tondo last May was arrested and was presented to the public on Monday alongside the most wanted suspects of Manila.
Suspect Teresita Clarin was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and illegal practice of medicine.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso presented Clarin and three other suspects for various cases.
Clarin looked down when she was called forward by Domagoso.
'Sagutin mo na lang sa mata ng batas ha? I hope maging takdang aral sa'yo 'yan,' said Domagoso.
(Just answer in the eyes of the law, okay? I hope this will be a lesson to you.)
'Hindi na po ako…Hindi na po ako….', she said.
(I won't do it…I won't do it…)
'Naiintindihan kita, kaya lang ito yung pamilya,' Domagoso replied as he pointed to the 10-year-old victim's mother who was also present.
(I understand you, but the family is here.)
'Kayo na ang bahala, basta ito ay arestado na. Kung gusto niyo makamit ang hustisya, nasa inyo na po 'yun,' the mayor told the victim's mother.
(Now that she's arrested, it's now up to you what to do next. If you want to achieve justice, it's now up to you.)
Domagoso went to the victim's mother to comfort her when she became upset after seeing the suspect.
'Nakakalungkot, siyempre alam mo, katulad nito, senior citizen. Mahal na mahal ko ang mga 'yan. But what can we do? Sana maging takdang aral 'yan sa iba. I feel bad also for the victim and the family,' said Domagoso.
(It's saddening, because in this case the suspect is a senior citizen. My heart goes to the elderly people there. But what can we do? I hope this will serve as a lesson for others. I feel bas also for the victim and the family.)
The suspect was taken to the Manila Police District but was immediately released amid the pending autopsy of the victim.
The suspect was also arrested in 2023 by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after using the name and license number of a legitimate doctor whom she had worked with over 20 years ago. But she was later released on bail.
The barangay also said the suspect does not have any permit to operate her lying-in clinic where the circumcision was performed.
It was also reported that the victim was administered anesthesia—reportedly in the amount of 20cc, as per the clinic staff.
According to the police's autopsy report, a brain hemorrhage possibly resulting from anesthesia caused the boy's death.
The other suspects arrested and presented were Florencio Flores for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, Jonas Bayubay for crime of frustrated murder, and Eddie Boy Savellano for qualified rape and acts of lasciviousness. — RF, GMA Integrated News