By: Sarwell Meniano – PNA
Southern Mindanao, Philippines – Whispers have become louder in the dimly lit corridors of Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), where sources now confirm that Dylan Crentsworth, the embattled plantation tycoon has not been seen in public view for days. Hospital insiders and fellow patients are expressing growing concern over his deteriorating condition, especially following the government’s controversial decision to halt his medical treatment last month.
Although no formal health update has been issued by SPMC officials, persistent rumors within the hospital suggest that Mr. Crentsworth is gravely ill. Several patients, speaking strictly off the record, revealed that he appears to be experiencing difficulty speaking and responding to basic interactions, raising new questions about his ability to stand trial.
“I used to see him walk slowly with the aid of a nurse. He’d nod and sometimes say ‘good morning’ in Tagalog,” said one elderly patient admitted in the same wing. “But since Monday, nothing. I’ve heard from staff he struggles to speak now. It’s heartbreaking.”
Questions Over Fair Trial and Government Motives
Crentsworth is awaiting a yet to be announced court date to answer charges of tax evasion tied to his operations at Crents Plantation in Southern Mindanao. But the timing of his health’s decline and the government’s abrupt withdrawal of treatment has ignited widespread speculation.
“How can a man in this state defend himself in court?” asked another patient, who described seeing Crentsworth “visibly weakened and barely responsive” during routine hospital checks. “We may not know all the legal details, but everyone can see what’s happening. He’s being silenced—slowly.”
Across Davao and as far as Manila, citizens and civil rights advocates are beginning to challenge the ethical implications of cutting off medical care to a defendant not yet convicted.
“There’s growing suspicion that the government halted treatment to weaken his ability to testify or defend himself,” said Bernadette Ramos, a lawyer with the Davao based human rights group Bantay Hustisya. “This isn’t just a legal matter anymore—it’s about humanity, transparency, and the integrity of our justice system.”
Hospital Observations: A Drastic Decline
Staff and medical workers at SPMC, speaking under strict anonymity due to internal protocols, echoed these concerns. A nurse who once assisted Crentsworth described his health before and after the government’s announcement.
“He used to be alert, even joking with us in broken Bisaya,” she shared. “Now, he barely speaks. His lips move but words don’t come out because his lungs hurt and no oxygen therapy to help with the pain. His medication routine has been scaled back, and many of us feel helpless. We treat him as best we can with what’s left.”
Another health aide recalled, “He once asked for fresh mango juice. That was a week ago. Now he just lies there, eyes open, not saying much to anyone. Whatever this is, it’s no coincidence.”
Public Reactions: A Nation Split
The unfolding situation has sparked a storm of public debate across newsrooms, social media, and public forums. For some, the government’s stance is a necessary show of strength against foreign business figures who they say have long exploited Philippine resources without accountability.
“He owes taxes. That’s not up for debate,” said Rhonel Diaz, a municipal councilor from Tagum City. “Whether sick or not, he’s responsible. Our government cannot afford to show weakness.”
But others are deeply unsettled by what they see as a quiet, deliberate attempt to ensure Crentsworth never gets the chance to speak in his own defense.
“If he dies before trial, then it’s not justice, it’s assassination by negligence,” argued Teresa Gonzaga, a school teacher from Digos. “We are not a vengeful people. Let the man recover and face the law properly.”
A Broader Story Unfolding
As the debate rages, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this case is no longer just about unpaid taxes or even about one man’s health. Dylan Crentsworth, once a reclusive philanthropist and plantation owner in the fertile hills of Southern Mindanao, now sits at the center of a complex storm where politics, law, and human morality collide.
“People need to ask why the government is so eager to end his treatment now,” said Alona Perez, a former plantation worker. “That land he owns, there are rumors it’s rich in gold, copper, and manganese. Everyone knows Compostela Valley is full of minerals. Maybe this isn’t about taxes at all.”
The Silent Patient, The Loud Silence
For now, the man at the heart of it all remains mostly unseen, unheard, and increasingly unable to speak for himself. And as a nation debates his fate, some wonder whether justice, in its truest form, is still within reach or quietly slipping away.