A 10-year-old boy from Tondo, Manila, tragically died after undergoing a circumcision procedure at a lying-in clinic operated by a woman allegedly posing as a doctor.
According to an exclusive report by 24 Oras and GMA News Online, the incident occurred on Saturday, May 17, when Marjorie San Agustin brought her son, Nathan, to a clinic in Balut, Tondo. She was told the procedure would cost P1,200. An individual who introduced herself as a doctor administered the circumcision, following an injection of around 20cc of anesthesia.
Minutes after the procedure began, Nathan started convulsing. Marjorie immediately asked if it was normal, but the person who claimed to be a doctor allegedly dismissed her concerns, saying it was due to grogginess. As the boy’s condition worsened and his lips turned blue, he was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
“Wala na po ‘yung anak ko. Hindi ko po talaga matanggap,” Marjorie said through tears during an interview with GMA Integrated News. “Kung may kasalanan po sila, hindi ko po sila mapapatawad.”
Following the incident, the family sought help from the Manila Police District and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which has since launched an investigation.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. “Isu-subpoena namin siya kung anong prosedurang ginawa niya,” he said, emphasizing the importance of finding out exactly what happened.
Further reports from 24 Oras revealed that the woman who performed the circumcision is not a licensed doctor but a senior citizen midwife who was arrested in 2023 for allegedly running an unlicensed clinic and impersonating a physician. Authorities say she had used the license number of a real doctor she previously worked with.
Barangay officials confirmed the clinic had long operated without a permit. “Walang request so ang alam namin, hindi siya nag-ooperate,” said Barangay 146 Kagawad Maria Christina Tipon, who advised the public to verify the credentials of medical practitioners.
The results of the autopsy are expected to be released within a week. The grieving family continues to demand justice, holding on to the hope that Nathan’s death will not be in vain.
