The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division (1ID) on Tuesday welcomed back one of its troopers who successfully recovered from 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 last March 17 upon his return to Camp Sang-an for showing signs and symptoms of the virus.
On March 30, he was tested and confirmed 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 turned out negative.
Major General Gene Ponio, commander of 1ID, led the troops in welcoming their recovered comrade.
“He has contributed a lot for our country, it is high time that we should 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 offier of the 1ID Station Hospital.
Meanwhile, Ponio urged the local populace to obey and cooperate with the government and frontline troops to prevent the spread of the virus. (Martin A. Sadongdong)
