DOH probes death of vaccinated priest

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is looking into the death of a priest who tested positive for COVID-19, an official said yesterday.

At a press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said a probe is necessary to determine the cause of death of Fr. Manuel Jadraque Jr., 58.

Jadraque died on Saturday. He was found positive for COVID-19 following a post-mostem swab test.

The priest had received two doses of the Sinovac jab, according to Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president and Caloocan Bishop Pablo David.

The Caloocan cathedral was locked down after Jadraque’s death.

Vergeire said Jadraque may have been suffering from other diseases aside from COVID-19.

“Hindi lang po COVID ang pwedeng pumatay sa atin,” Vergeire pointed out. “Kahit po tayo ay may COVID-19, it doesn’t mean that we will die. There are other illnesses that may cause our death.”

Vergeire said the DOH would finish the investigation before declaring the cause of death of Jadraque.

“There is a need to verify the vaccine brand given to him,” she said.