CBCP: 4 Filipino missionaries serving in Sierra Leon amid Ebola outbreak

This undated photo made available by the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, shows the Ebola virus viewed through an electron microscope. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, four Filipino missionaries have decided to endure the worsening situation by serving in Sierra Leone, one of the worst-hit areas.

“Four Filipino missionaries have chosen to serve the people of Sierra Leone despite the harrowing outbreak of Ebola virus,” the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said in its website.

The four were identified as: Bro. Jonathan Jamero, OAR; Fr. Roy Baluarte, OAR; Fr. Russell Lapidez, OAR and Fr. Dennis Castillo, OAR. They were accompanied by two Spanish missionaries, Fr. Jose Luis Garayoa, OAR and Fr. Rene Gonzales, OAR. (Bro. Tagoy Jakosalem, OAR).

The United Nations reported that as of Friday, Aug. 15, there were 1,145 people that had died from the virus of 2,127 total recorded cases. Areas in West Africa affected by the outbreak other than Sierra Leone include Guinea, Liberia and Nigeria.

The CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Healthcare also assured that they will support the Department of Health’s monitoring of the possible entry of the Ebola virus in the Philippines.

Fr. Dan Cancino, CBCP-ECHC executive secretary, said in a separate press release that they were confident that DOH is taking the necessary actions to ensure it can handle a “life-or-death” situation in case the virus gets in the Philippines.

He said the most Filipinos could do at the moment is to learn more about the virus and to offer prayers that will put a stop to the onslaught.

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