MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday expressed its condolences to the family and friends of Army 2nd Lt. Vince Magbanua, who passed away after complaining of difficulty in breathing on Wednesday.
"It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of one of our young and promising officers, Army 2nd Lt. Vince Magbanua at 3:40 p.m. yesterday, April 8. He was declared DOA (dead on arrival) at Norzagaray Municipal Hospital where he was rushed on complaint of severe difficulty in breathing," AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a media statement.
He added that Magbanua was rushed to the same hospital on Tuesday aboard a KM-450 ambulance after complaining of difficulty in breathing.
"The attending physician’s diagnosis was acute bronchitis. He was advised to return to barracks with medicines provided to him. He then observed self-quarantine," Arevalo said.
Magbanua is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Alab Tala” Class of 2018 and was assigned as the platoon leader and executive officer of the weapons company of the Headquarters Service Battalion, 48th Infantry Battalion based in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.
"We are yet to receive as at this time the report that will conclude if this was a case of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) or not. But contact tracing and quarantine protocols are already being implemented in 48th Infantry Battalion (his unit assignment) as a matter of precaution," Arevalo said.
Magbanua is looked up by his superiors, peers, and subordinates for his dedication, commitment, and idealism, he added.
Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala said all necessary assistance will be extended to the family of Magbanua.
“We will take precautionary measures based on the DOH guidelines whether Magbanua acquired the Covid-19 or not, and we are currently conducting contact tracing to all personnel which he interacted with, because we want to ensure that everyone in his unit is well taken cared of,” he added.
Magbanua's remains will be cremated on Thursday at the Bernard De Guzman Funeral and Crematory in Barangay Sta. Clara, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
His brother, 2nd Lt. Vico Magbanua, will represent his family during the cremation rites. (PNA)
