THE remains of former 2nd Lieutenant Vince Magbanua of the Philippine Army arrived at the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (EastMin) Ramp, Davao Air Station, Barangay Sasa, Davao City last Friday, April 10, 2020, on board the C-295 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force.

His twin brother 2nd Lieutenant Vico Magbanua, PA, accompanied him from Manila.

A simple blessing ceremony was done by Lieutenant Peter Esarza, CHS PCG, District Chaplain of the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao.

After this, the final salute was made for the men and women of TOW EastMin headed by Wing Commander, Colonel Dennis G. Estrella, PAF (GSC), with the other officials of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

Physical distancing protocols and other disinfection procedures were still observed during the entire ceremony.

2Lt. Vince was from Davao City and was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 2018. He was the Platoon Leader/Executive Officer of the Weapons Company, Headquarters Service Battalion, 48th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.

He was honored for offering his life in service for others and help for the government for those affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine despite the danger of the task.

It was on April 7 2Lt. when Vince experienced difficulties in breathing and cough and he was then rushed to Norzagaray Municipal Hospital. He was assisted throughout his 14-day quarantine in their headquarters after he was diagnosed with acute bronchitis.

On April 8, 3:34 p.m. he was again rushed to the hospital because of another bout of difficulty in breathing. He, however, was declared dead on arrival.

His specimen was sent to Bulacan Provincial Health Office and to Research Institute of Tropical Medicine sa Manila to verify connections with coronavirus disease (Covid-19).