COVID-19 survivor laments discrimination, harassment

A father who has recovered from the COVID-19 now has to deal with discrimination not only against him but also against his loved ones.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, the unnamed former COVID-19 case said there were lapses when he was informed about his COVID-19 infection.

The COVID-19 survivor said he was surprised to find out that his children's photos were circulating on social media on the day that he found out about the illness.

"Ang masama po noon, kasama po 'yung buong pamilya ko at nakalagay doon po 'yung pangalan ko," the survivor said.

"Napakasakit po... Sobrang sama ng loob ko... ang daming nagmemensahe sa akin... Hindi ko naman sila sinasabihan, may mga tumatawag sa akin, nagtatanong kahit sa aking mga anak," he added.

"Sa akin okay lang, pero 'yung mga anak ko nadamay na sila, binabastos nila. May nagmemensahe, tumatawag na hindi nila kilala," the survivor said.

The survivor said other people allegedly posted false reports about him and his family.

"Ang masama pa noon, nawala na 'yung privacy namin, 'yung iba gumagawa pa ng masasama at iba-ibang kuwento na wala namang katotohanan. So 'yung ibang tao iniiwasan na po kami, pinandidirihan na po kami," the survivor said.

"Kahit 'yung mga kamag-anak ko na di ko naman nakakasalamuha, iniiwasan na din kami dahil sa mga kumakalat na balita, na hindi ko malaman kung sino nagpalabas ng mga ganoon," he added.

The survivor called for understanding and support for COVID-19 patients.

"At lagi nating tatandaan, hindi namin po ito ginusto, o hindi nila ginusto magkaroon ng ganitong karamdaman," the survivor said.

"Dapat sa ganitong panahon, kailangan nating manatili tayong nagtutulungan, nag-uunawaan at nagmamahalan para sabay-sabay nating malagpasan ang kinakaharap nating problema na ito," he added.

The COVID-19 survivor said he was willing to donate his blood for those still battling with the virus. -Jamil Santos/NB, GMA News