PAF plane crash survivor tests positive for COVID-19

One of the soldiers who was injured in the C-130 plane crash in Sulu's Patikul town on Sunday has tested positive for COVID-19.

According to Marisol Abdurahman's report on "24 Oras" on Monday, the soldier, who is in critical condition, is confined at the intensive care unit of the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

"'The update I got from the doctor is that he can hear and understand what he is being told, and he can move his hands," the soldier's cousin said in Filipino.

The cousin said that the soldier's mother had called her and asked her to visit him in the ICU, as he had no other family in the city. The soldier has suffered burns to parts of his body, and is still unable to speak. The cousin has informed her aunt, who is in Agusan, about his condition.

At least 17 of the crash survivors are currently confined at the ZCMC.

"So far, some of the patients are in stable condition, although it's too early to tell because they just got here," ZCMC spokesperson Dr. Shadrina Sarapuddin said in mixed Filipino and English.

At least 52 people were killed in the crash: 49 military personnel aboard the plane and three civilians on the ground.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he wants to give more financial benefits to the Armed Forces of the Philippines as he condoled with the military on Monday.

Duterte visited Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and honored the military personnel who died in the crash.

He said the military will receive retirement benefits from the Government Service Insurance System.

Duterte added that the soldiers' families will be protected and that the education of their children will be ensured. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News