Fallen Filipino doctor Nicko Bautista revealed his fears before the ill-fated med-evac flight
Dr. Cenover Nicandro 'Nicko' Bautista was among the eight individuals who died in the ill-fated medical evacuation flight bound for Haneda Airport in Japan on Sunday evening, March 29.
The Last Flight
Dr. Nicko and seven others were aboard the Lionair chartered plane when it reportedly exploded and crashed shortly after taking off at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Runway 24 around 8 p.m.
Investigation about the incident is still ongoing; but in initial reports, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) revealed that the chartered plane encountered a technical problem while it was rolling out for takeoff.
There has since been an outpouring of love and condolences on Dr. Nicko's Facebook account, especially on his last post, which is a strong reminder about the importance of disclosing one's travel history amid the Coronavirus pandemic. The post was also a tribute to Dr. Nicko's fellow frontliners who lost their battle with COVID-19.
Braving the frontlines
Dr. Nicko also had uncertainties and fears about the ongoing pandemic just like everyone else. But despite that, he courageously continued serving in the frontlines so that others may live. This was revealed in one of his private posts shared by his sister, Ria Bautista.
His sister Ria also honored his fallen brother in a Facebook post and called him a hero.
Dr. Nicko may not have died from the Coronavirus Disease, but he most certainly is one of the heroes in the battle against the pandemic. He died in the line of duty, helping others survive or recover from illness, while putting his own safety and health at risk.
May his wish for his fellow medical professionals to be properly protected against COVID-19 be fulfilled, and may his life and service to the people as a doctor be an inspiration to everyone who's currently braving the frontlines.
For more updates on the Coronavirus pandemic, click here.
And, if you'd like to help those who are greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can do so through GMA-7's Kapuso Foundation.
Visit the Kapuso Foundation site here.
RELATED:
HEROES: The fallen doctors who fought against COVID-19
Dr. Raul Jara's former student mourns his teacher's passing; suggests improvements to fight COVID-19