Military officer with COVID-19 symptoms dies

August 9, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said a senior officer succumbed to death after having symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement, Major General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said the senior officer died last August 6 at the V. Luna Medical Hospital.

“We have yet to receive official medical reports that would reveal the cause of death other than the erstwhile symptoms suggest COVID-19,” Arevalo said.

Based on the AFP latest data, a total of 1,137 AFP personnel have been infected by the virus, including 473 active cases, 138 recoveries and 10 fatalities.

Arevalo said 516 have been cleared and have reported back to duty.

“AFP Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay is closely monitoring these developments. He has directed unit commanders and chiefs of offices to vigorously pursue efforts to address and contain the incidence of COVID-19 infection so as not to adversely affect AFP operations,” he said.

“We cannot, in this difficult time, fail the people and various government agencies that rely heavily on the AFP to maintain peace and security as well as assist in the responses for the health and well-being of our countrymen,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS