MANILA – A professor of the University of Philippines (UP) and a staff of a House of Representatives member were among the latest casualties of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
UP Diliman announced Saturday the passing of Dr. Aileen Baviera, a leading Chinese studies expert and former dean of the UP Asian Center has passed away due to severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19. She was 60.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Dr. Aileen SP Baviera, Professor and former Dean of the UP Asian Center and one of the country’s foremost sinologists, passed away today, March 21, 2020, 3:55 a.m., at the San Lazaro Hospital from severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19,” the bulletin read.
“Our prayers and sympathies are with the family of Dean Baviera,” it added.
Meanwhile, a staff member of a lawmaker who tested positive for COVID-19 also died on Saturday morning, House of Representatives Secretary General Atty. Jose Luis G. Montales said in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that a member of the Congressional staff of one of our Members passed away less than an hour ago,” Montales said on the 65 years old staff who has medical conditions.
“Our Medical Director has just received word from DOH (Department of Health) that the Congressional staff who passed away less than an hour ago tested positive for COVID-19,” he added.
Joey Bautista, lead singer of classic pop-rock band Mulatto, also died due to COVID-19 on Thursday, his wife Belinda Bagatsing confirmed in a post on her Facebook page on Friday. He was cremated on the same day.
Bagatsing also requested everyone who had been around her and Bautista in the last 30 days to monitor themselves and have a checkup if they don’t feel well.
The DOH on Saturday confirmed there were 77 new positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 307. The death toll due to COVID-19 in the country is 19 and 13 patients have recovered from the disease./PN
