MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is in stable condition after fainting during the Independence Day commemoration at the Rizal Park in Manila City on Sunday.
Department of National Defense spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong said that Lorenzana was advised to take a rest.
“Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana is currently in stable condition and has been advised to rest after fainting during the Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Rizal Park this morning, June 12,” Arsenio said in a statement.
Lorenzana’s “hectic” schedule and the “extreme temperatures” in Manila City may have led to his fatigue.
The defense chief just arrived from Singapore Sunday morning after attending a dialogue and meeting with his foreign counterparts.
He likewise visited South Korea and other parts of the Philippines.
On top of his official travels, Lorenzana has been overseeing defense operations and the transition to the incoming administration.
“His hectic schedule during the last few weeks and the extreme temperatures in Luneta earlier today may have resulted in his fatigue,” said Andolong.
Lorenzana joined President Rodrigo Duterte during the 124th anniversary of the Philippine Independence.
‘Lack of rest and sleep took its toll’
Meanwhile, in a Twitter post the same day, Lorenzana also assured the public that he is now in a stable condition.
“My lack of rest and sleep from my recent successive international security engagements may have taken its toll on me. Late na kami nakabalik from Singapore, tapos napakainit pa sa Luneta kanina,” said Lorenzana.
“But as the saying goes, a true soldier always gets up quickly after a fall. I’m fine now. Just resting since the results of the tests conducted earlier are okay,” he added.
Hello, everyone! My lack of rest and sleep from my recent successive international security engagements may have taken its toll on me. Late na kami nakabalik from Singapore, tapos napakainit pa sa Luneta kanina. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/lR1qUl6RIK
— Delfin Lorenzana (@del_lorenzana) June 12, 2022
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