Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, has tested positive for Covid-19.
“It is in this spirit that I announce that I am tested positive with Covid-19 with the [reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction] RT-PCR test. [I] know this virus will pass, so please do not worry about me, although prayers would be very much appreciated,” Pabillo said in a circular letter on Thursday.
The 65-year-old bishop said he was under quarantine but was not experiencing symptoms.
“I am now in a designated area for quarantine observing strict protocol as required. My condition is being monitored and I take healthy foods and vitamins and do physical exercise,” he said.
According to Pabillo, the staff of the Archdiocese of Manila and the people he interacted with tested negative for Covid-19 but were advised to place themselves under quarantine.
The prelate said he would continue his ministry online.
“Although I do not feel anything [and] I’m in my normal self, thank God, the scheduled online meetings that we have set will continue. Life must go on,” he said.
He ended his letter by quoting St. Paul from Timothy: “Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching (2 Tim 4:2).” with reports from Julian A. Galaura Jr.