By JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS, Contributor

CITY OF DASMARINAS, Cavite – The vicar general of the Archdiocese of Lipa has confirmed that Archbishop Gilbert Garcera had to be intubated days after contracting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Reverend Monsignor Ruben Dimaculangan, who is also the rector of St. Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa City made the revelation “to avoid a repeat of conjectures and misrepresentations created by lack of available information and access to the real situation”.

But Dimaculangan was quick to add that the intubation procedure was necessary to help the prelate get the needed medicines and that the Archbishop is aware, conscious and in stable condition.

Archbishop Garcera is staying at the Intensive Care Unit of the De La Salle University Medical Center here in an effort to provide him the needed intensive attention, rest and care.

On the day he revealed he had COVID-19, Garcera asked everyone to pray for their immediate recovery and an end to the pandemic.

“I thank all priests, religious and lay faithful for your well wishes and prayers. Once again, I am requesting all priests to offer your Masses, Holy Hours and recitation of the Rosary for our immediate recovery and end to this pandemic,” said Garcera.

Other Catholic prelates have tested positive for COVID-19 but have already recovered. They are Archdiocese of Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo, retired Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, retired Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Antonio Rañola and Pampanga Archbishop Florentino Lavarias. (With a report from Leslie Ann Aquino)