Former senator Leila De Lima, who was visited by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos following the hostage-taking incident last Sunday, tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19, based on the RT-PCR test done yesterday.

De Lima issued a handwritten statement:

Tested negative of COVID-19 virus, I had to undergo an RT-PCR test yesterday afternoon, given my exposure to Sec. Benhur Abalos who tested positive after he checked on me last Sunday in the aftermath of the hostage-taking incident.

Yesterday’s hearing in one of the trumped-up charges was even cancelled on manifestation, in open court, of the Prosecutors about the news of Sec. Abalos’ having tested positive and about the fact of my exposure to him. Consequently, even when everybody was around — all the accused, defense counsels, Panel of Prosecutors and the Prosecution witness, Herbert Colangco, who was then set for cross-examination — the Judge had no choice but to cancel and reset the hearing, to safeguard everyone’s health, including that of the court personnel, and in observance of existing health protocols.

I’m now confined at the PNPGH for further monitoring and tests due to lingering chest pains as a result of the constant pressing by the hostage-taker of the sharp weapon on my chest just beside the heart.

Thank you, all, for the prayers.

Thank you, dear Lord, for being with me and for me always.

Salamat po at hindi nyo ako pinapabayaan. (Leila De Lima Communications Group)