BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos in Negros announced yesterday he tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The 61-year-old bishop said he is currently under quarantine and treatment.
“Now, God allows me to be on the other side among the infected of this dreaded virus,” Alminaza said in a statement posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ social media account on June 21.
“Rest assured that I am given the best possible medical attention available,” he added.
The diocese’s vicar general, Monsignor Erwin Magnanao, temporarily takes over Alminaza’s responsibilities.
“I ask for everyone’s prayers for my fast healing as well as for other COVID-19 patients even as I assure you, too, of my constant prayers and offerings,” Alminaza said.
“My prayers for our frontliners have now become more heartfelt,” he added.
Alminaza is the 11th Filipino prelate to contract the viral disease./PN
