Wife lies in state while husband fights for life

Davao City – Joel Esportonio, 27, one of the critical patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) is scheduled for surgery today after suffering bone fractures and injuries to his bladder, intestine and spine. What he does not know is that his wife, Mercy Basilisco did not survive her injuries. Esportonio’s sister-in-law Jessa told the Manila Bulletin that Joel is responsive but has not been told about his wife’s demise fearing it would worsen his condition. Joel has been mistakenly identified in earlier reports as 17-year-old Joel Estorno or Esfortono at SPMC’s intensive care unit. An official of the SPMC said the hospital has identified all of the unknown patients from Friday’s blast. Two of the victims have succumbed to their injuries.  Another victim, 16-year-old Elmer Delibios is recovering from shrapnel injuries to the skull and doing better.  “The status of patient is serious, gradually improving, since level of [...]