By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental announced yesterday that he had tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.

The 61-year-old bishop said he is now under quarantine and submitted himself for treatment.

“Now, God allows me to be on the other side among the infected of this dreaded virus,” Alminaza said in a statement posted on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines social media account yesterday.

“Rest assured that I am given the best possible medical attention available,” he said.

He said that the diocese’s vicar general, Msgr. Erwin Magnanao, will take over his responsibilities.

“I ask for everyone’s prayers for my fast healing as well as for other COVID-19 patients even as I assure you, too, of my constant prayers and offerings,” Alminaza said.

“My prayers for our frontliners have now become more heartfelt,” he added.

Alminaza is the 11th Filipino prelate to contract the infection./DGB, WDJ