Caloocan City Mayor Oscar "Oca" Malapitan on Sunday, Sept. 5, announced that he tested negative for COVID-19 and has now finished his quarantine.
Malapitan has expressed gratitude to his constituents who helped and offered prayers for his immediate recovery.
"Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga nag-asikaso, nagpadala ng pagkain, nagpaabot ng mensahe, at nagdasal para sa akin (I sincerely thank all those who cared, sent food, sent messages, and prayed for me)," Malapitan said.
"Hindi man ako nakasagot, nais kong ipabatid na ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong suporta, malasakit at pagmamahal sa akin (I may not answer all of you, I want you to know that I am grateful for your support, concern and love for me)," he added.
The city mayor also lamented the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
"Gagamitin ko na rin ang pagkakataong ito upang hikayatin ang mga mamamayan, higit na ang mga senior citizen na katulad ko na magpabakuna na kontra COVID-19 (I want to use this opportunity also to encourage citizens, especially senior citizens like me to get vaccinated for COVID-19)" the mayor said.
On August 25, Malapitan tested positive for COVID-19.