Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the apostolic administrator of the Manila archdiocese, has tested positive for Covid-19.
In a letter released Thursday and addressed to Manila’s parish priests, the prelate said he was asymptomatic but would go under quarantine.
“Although I do not feel anything, I follow the protocol that is set. I am now in a designated area for quarantine observing strict protocol as required,” Bishop Pabillo said.
“My condition is being monitored and I take healthy food and vitamins, and do physical exercise,” he said.
He is the first Philippine bishop to have contracted the disease that has already infected more than 70,000 Filipinos.
Since the lockdown, the bishop has been visiting urban poor communities in Manila such as the victims of recent fire incidents in Tondo.
He was also in Pandacan right after the fire that ravaged the Sto. Niño Parish Church.
“It is in this spirit that I announce that I am tested positive with Covid-19 with the RT-PCR test. Although I do not feel anything, I follow the protocol that is set.” – – Bishop Broderick Pabillo
Posted by Archdiocese of Manila – Office of Communications on Thursday, July 23, 2020
The bishop said that his staff have been tested negative of the virus.
Pabillo added that the people he was in close contact with in the last week had been informed “so that they may follow necessary safety measures”.
“I know this virus will pass, so please do not worry about me, although prayers would be very much appreciated,” he said.
“Since I am in my normal self, thank God, the scheduled online meetings that we have set will continue. Life must go on.”
“One of the priests of the Archdiocese will celebrate our common Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. and our Monday Mass at noon in the Manila Cathedral, and read the respective homilies that I prepare,” Pabillo said. CBCP News