15 nurses, including 14 who died in line of duty, named Bayaning Nars 2020

The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) has bestowed the Bayaning Nars award to 15 nurses instead of naming just one person this year.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras," 14 of the awardees are recognized posthumously—they were among those who died in the line of duty amid the pandemic.

The sole living awardee was Nurse Lorraine Pingol, who went viral in August for helping a homeless woman give birth on the street.

"Bukod po sa masaya sa totoo lang I feel humbled na makapatanggap po ang award bilang isang nurse. Hindi ko po inaasahan ang lahat ng ito," said Pingol, who is also a leukemia survivor.

Meanwhile, Dr. John Paul Ner received the award on behalf of his younger brother, Nurse Joey Ner, who died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

He said he was overjoyed when he got the notification from the PNA and that having his peers recognize Joey is a "proud moment" for their family.

Here is the list of nurses who received the Bayaning Nars 2020 posthumously:

Manuel Pacheco
Rosalino Ramos
Elvies Duque
Arvin DS Pascual
Faye Marie Palafox
Eric Arandia
Ian Anthony Vilog
Shiela Malto
Baguio Arenas
Gamir Gumayan
Joey Ner
Gilbert Catan
Ma. Theresa Cruz
Albert Bryan Aspiras

—MGP, GMA News