Remains of soldier who died from suspected COVID-19 return to hometown

The cremated remains of 2nd Lieutenant Vince Magbanua, a Philippine Army trooper who died after exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, were brought back to his hometown in Davao City.

Magbanua's twin brother, who is also a soldier, accompanied the urn from Manila.

During his final moments, Magbanua's last words to his brother were: "Stay alive. I love you all."

The 24-year-old soldier died from severe difficulty in breathing and was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Bulacan.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that all personnel who had close contact with Magbanua are undergoing quarantine while awaiting his COVID-19 test results.

Magbanua was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Alab Tala Class of 2018 and was stationed in Bulacan.