For the second time, Mayor Neil Lizares III of Talisay City, Negros Occidental tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.

In a statement posted on Facebook over the weekend, Lizares said he is “experiencing mild symptoms” but added “it breaks my heart to see that members of my family and household have also tested positive.”

The 45-year-old city mayor has also asked for prayers from his constituents.

“Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers for our fast recovery and also for the recovery of all Covid-19 active cases in the City of Talisay,” he said.

Lizares reassured the Talisaynons that he is taking every step possible to ensure that he stays in good health and will recover again from the virus.

He then encouraged the still unvaccinated Talisaynons to avail of the COVID-19 vaccine and to continue following the minimum safety standards and health protocols for added safety and protection.

It was only on September 21 that Lizares, who is inoculated with AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, announced he tested positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, as of 8:00 a.m. yesterday, Talisay City has logged 2,312 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 116 are active; 2,117 recoveries; and 79 deaths.

Lizares is among the four city mayors in Negros Occidental, all fully vaccinated, who have contracted the virus since September.

The three others included Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco Jr., Silay City Mayor Mark Golez and Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. (With a report from PNA)/WDJ