Duterte salutes doctors, health workers who sacrificed lives fighting COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday expressed grief over health workers and doctors who had lost their lives while fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“I am saddened by the news that the virus has claimed the lives of doctors along the way. All of them are heroes, and not only that, you made me proud,” Duterte said, speaking partly in Filipino.

“It is seldom that I salute a person. But our doctors, our health workers who died, I really salute you,” he added.

Several doctors have died after getting infected by the virus while responding to the outbreak.

Duterte also thanked other healthcare personnel who were on the frontlines fighting COVID-19.

“Let me reiterate my sincerest gratitude to all our courageous frontliners in this war. especially our healthcare workers, our doctors, nurses, medical technologists, and other allied health professionals. Maraming, maraming salamat,” he said.

The President earlier vowed to repay health workers in a “more tangible way” and ensure their compensation for being on the frontlines on the COVID-19 situation.

READ: Duterte vows to thank health workers in ‘a more tangible way’

Health workers are among those exempted from the enhanced community quarantine over the whole of Luzon which will be in effect until midnight of April 13.

Meanwhile, health officials have so far recorded 552 confirmed cases of COVID-19, of whom 35 have already died and 20 have recovered.

READ: Coronavirus cases in PH jump to 552; 2 more deaths recorded

/atm