By: Marianne de Castro – PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BULLETIN
DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES — Days after the dramatic collapse of wealthy philanthropist and plantation magnate Dylan Crentsworth in a Davao courtroom, his condition remains uncertain. Rushed back to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in full view of reporters and the public, Crentsworth has not been seen since. Rumors persist that his health is grave, with nurses under strict orders not to speak on his situation.
The court hearing, originally scheduled for Friday, August 22, was adjourned indefinitely following his collapse. No new date has been announced, as officials have refrained from any public comment.
Scenes From Crents Plantation: Charity Continues Amid Uncertainty
On Sunday, the fields and villages surrounding Crents Plantation carried on with their long-standing tradition: distributing food and medicine to local families. The practice, established by Crentsworth himself years ago, has become a weekly ritual known as “Linggo ng Pagbibigay” (Sunday of Giving).
Yesterday, managers and staff oversaw the distribution of rice, dried fish, vegetables grown on the plantation and basic medicines to hundreds of villagers from Compostela Valley and Davao del Sur. Many locals carried placards and rosaries, offering prayers for their benefactor.
“He may be in a hospital bed, but his work continues here,” said plantation foreman Roberto Inigo. “Every Sunday, families line up because of his generosity. Today, those same families prayed for him.”
Public Voices: Mixed Sentiments in the Valleys
While charity continued, conversations among the gathered residents reflected a mix of hope, concern, and suspicion.
- Maria Liza, 47, a mother of three:
“We prayed the rosary together for Sir Dylan. Without his help, my children would not have finished school. I just hope the government allows him to recover so he can see the fruits of what he built here.” - A farmer from Nabunturan (who asked not to be named):
“He looked too weak even before the hearing. They forced him to court to make a show. Maybe they want him silenced before he can defend himself.” - Arturo Ramirez, a former barangay councilor in Tagum:
“We must also remember, he owes taxes. We cannot make him an exception. But yes, I admit, watching him collapse made me question if this is justice or punishment.”
Hospital Whispers: “Still Fighting”
Inside SPMC, tension remains thick. Nurses and staff, bound by government directives, have refused interviews. One patient, however, described the atmosphere:
“Since the day of his collapse in court, his ward has been sealed. Guards come and go. Nobody has seen him walk the corridors for weeks, even before the hearing. Now, it feels like he is fighting for his life inside.”
Another patient recovering from dialysis whispered that Crentsworth needed full support during routine tests:
“He couldn’t hold his arm up. His lips moved but no words came out. We all wondered how he would ever face a judge.”
Faith and Fear at the Plantation Gates
At the plantation chapel yesterday, candles flickered as workers prayed aloud. Yet not all were united in their views. Some openly suggested that his deteriorating condition was connected to the government’s earlier decision to halt taxpayer-funded medical care.
“He was stronger before they stopped his medicine,” said one plantation nurse quietly. “If this is justice, it feels cruel.”
Others warned against romanticizing his role:
“We prayed for him, yes. But he also grew rich here while locals struggled,” remarked Crisanto Beltran, a shopkeeper in Monkayo. “Still, he deserves to recover and face his case properly.”
Unanswered Questions
As of this report, officials have not issued a statement on Crentsworth’s current condition. The court has confirmed only that the hearing will be rescheduled “at an appropriate time.” Meanwhile, calls for his humanitarian repatriation to Canada are growing louder, particularly among supporters who fear he may not survive the drawn-out legal process in the Philippines.
For now, the story of Dylan Crentsworth straddles two worlds: the hushed corridors of SPMC where he lies unseen, and the open fields of Compostela Valley, where his plantation workers continue his Sunday legacy of giving, praying their benefactor will live long enough to return.