Palace honors Novo Ecijano doctor who lost battle with Covid-19

PEÑARANDA, Nueva Ecija – Dr. Israel Bactol, the 34-year-old cardiologist who succumbed to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), was honored by Malacañang in simple rites officiated by ranking police and government officials at his residence in Barangay Callos here Monday afternoon.

Bactol's parents, Pastor Romeo Bactol and Celestina, received from Brig. Gen. Rex dela Rosa, deputy regional director of the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3), the hero's flag and a letter of commendation from President Rodrigo Duterte for the young physician's "heroic sacrifice," as a front-liner in the country's battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also present were Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security; and Col. Leon Victor Rosete, chief of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office.

The late doctor's parents who are both teachers "vowed to continue his legacy of selfless dedication to help the poor," Egco said as he noted that Bactol was a "Doctor to the Barrio" volunteer.

All parties, during the honor rites, had to follow protocols imposed by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) under the enhanced community quarantine such as wearing face masks and practicing physical distancing.

To the people of this town, Bactol was an icon of the government's fight against Covid-19. They mourned his passing at an early age.

Bactol contracted Covid-19 after being exposed to a patient at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC). (PNA)