Officer who died tests negative for COVID-19

April 14, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday that a young Army officer who died after showing symptoms of COVID-19 was tested negative for the virus.

"We wish to announce that the late Army 2 Lt Vince Magbanua’s test for COVID-19 infection yielded negative per RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) test," said Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman.

It can be recalled that Magbanua was declared dead on arrival at the Norzagaray Municipal Hospital last April 8, 2020.

Magbanua, who had dry cough, was rushed at the hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing.

Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, previously said based on medical records, Magbanua died from acute myocardial infarction with bronchial asthma in acute exacerbation.

Zagala said Magbanua was the platoon leader/executive officer of the Weapons Company of the Headquarters Service Battalion, 48th Infantry Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division based in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. Robina Asido/DMS