Cagayan de Oro bet Vincy Vacalares tests positive for COVID-19, exits Miss Universe Philippines

Cagayan de Oro candidate Vincy Vacalares announced on Friday that she is withdrawing from this year's Miss Universe Philippines pageant because she tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"With a heavy heart, allow me to break the news to all of you that I tested positive for Covid-19 last October 14. This means that I will not be able to continue with my journey to the Miss Universe Philippines crown this year," she wrote in a Facebook post.

"My team and I did all our best to strictly follow all the health and safety protocols, but still the virus hit me," she added.

Currently confined in a hospital in Manila, the Cagayan de Oro bet urged those she was in close contact with to inform health officers to check their symptoms.

Although she will no longer be part of the competition, Vincy thanked all of her supporters and family for all the love.

"I sincerely apologize for what happened. Please be always on the lookout for your health and safety," Vincy said. " Please don’t forget to include me in your prayers."

Just on Thursday, Sorsogon bet Maria Isabela Galeria also announced she will be withdrawing from the pageant. After just having survived COVID-19, she felt that her "body was not well conditioned yet" to continue.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization said that the safety and health of their candidates is of "top priority."

"We salute their bravery and courage as they go through this difficult time and rest assured, we will continue to provide all of the help and support they need," it said.  —Kaela Malig/JCB, GMA News