MANILA – Another coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frontliner, a renowned cardiologist in the country, joined the growing list of virus casualty as the confirmed cases have reached over 500 on Tuesday.
Dr. Raul Diaz Jara, an esteemed cardiologist and internist, died on early Tuesday morning after testing positive to COVID-19, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) said in a statement.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of one of the great pillars of cardiology, PHA past president Dr. Raul Diaz Jara. He was a great father, teacher, mentor, poet, author, singer, colleague, friend,” the PHA said in a statement.
PHA also noted Jara’s massive contribution and devotion to the advancement of Philippine cardiology.
Several other frontliners have succumbed to COVID-19. Cardiologist Israel Bactol of the Philippine Heart Center, anesthesiologist Gregorio Macasaet III of Manila Doctors Hospital, and oncologist Rose Pulido of the San Juan de Dios Hospital passed away recently.
The number of people who tested positive for the coronavirus disease in the Philippines jumped to 552, with the death toll remaining at 33. The number of patients who have recovered is now at 19./PN
