Arroyo visits comatose holdup victim

MANILA, Philippines – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday paid a visit to Antonia Marina “Tara" Santelices who lies comatose after being shot in the head during a robbery incident a month ago. GMA News’ Jiggy Manicad reported over 24 Oras that the President’s help was sought by Tara’s parents. Tara was shot by an unidentified man who also robbed her during her birthday last month while on board a jeepney in Cainta, Rizal. She remains unconscious at the Medical City with pieces of shrapnel still lodged in her brain. Doctors have ruled out mounting an extraction procedure, saying that it would require a delicate “high risk" surgery that can further endanger her life. Earlier in the day, a witness - who asked to be called “Gerry" - showed up at the National Bureau of Investigation to testify regarding the incident. Gerry said he was on the same jeepney Tara was riding and that he tried to disarm the thief but had second thoughts because he wanted to protect his life. He added that he saw how Tara “looked him in the eye" and asked for help before losing consciousness. Larry Santelices, Tara’s father, thanked Gerry as his testimony was a welcome development which might help identify the assailant. Tara's parents earlier criticized the Cainta police for the slow pace of its investigation. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV