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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Military gives hero's welcome to Army trooper who has recovered from COVID-19

Military gives hero's welcome to Army trooper who has recovered from COVID-19

Published Apr 7, 2020 12:00 am

By Martin Sadongdong

It is only fitting to pay tribute to frontliners who continue to risk their lives while fighting the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and this was exactly what the military did for a Philippine Army trooper who recovered from the dreaded illness.

(Army 1st Infantry Division /MANILA BULLETIN) (Army 1st Infantry Division /MANILA BULLETIN)

The Army's 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division (1ID) on Tuesday welcomed back one of its troopers who successfully overcame COVID-19 in a simple hero's welcome at Camp Sang-an in Pulacan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The soldier, whose identity was withheld for his privacy, had been deployed in Metro Manila during the start of the community quarantine last month.

He was confined at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center on March 17 upon his return to Camp Sang-an for showing signs and symptoms of the virus.

On March 30, he tested positive for COVID-19 and had been placed under strict monitoring.

After receiving medical attention and undergoing quarantine, the soldier was again tested. The result of his repeat test was released on Monday, April 6, which eventually turned out to be negative.

(Army 1st Infantry Division /MANILA BULLETIN) (Army 1st Infantry Division /MANILA BULLETIN)

Major General Gene Ponio, commander of 1ID, led the troops in welcoming their recovered comrade.

"He has contributed a lot to our country, it is high time that we honor, show to him how a hero must be treated in challenging times," Ponio said.

He also expressed gratitude to the personnel of Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center for taking care of the sick Army trooper.

Despite recovering from the illness, the soldier will still be monitored by the rural health unit of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

"The officer will still be confined in the infirmary for them to monitor and complete his medications," said Major Jussel Parlan, commanding officer of the 1ID Station Hospital.

Meanwhile, Ponio urged the local populace to cooperate with the government and frontline troops to prevent the spread of the virus.

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