Man from Zamboanga del Sur suffers from unnaturally swollen arm

A young man from Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, is beloved by his family for being kind and hardworking despite his heavy problem — an unnaturally swollen arm that weighs five kilos.

Bong lives with his relatives in Sitio Tuburan, where he helps by cleaning, washing dishes, planting sweet potatoes, splitting wood, and fetching water to avoid being a burden.

He helps with tasks despite his left arm, which has continually gotten large and swollen since childhood.

According to a report on "Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho" on Sunday, Bong has lumps on his arms, back, and neck, with an uneven chest that causes pain, making his duties more difficult.

"Kapag nagtatrabaho ako, sumasakit," he said on "KMJS," adding that he gets tired and out of breath easily.

["When I work, it hurts."]

It is also a challenge for him to find clothes that fit around his arms.

Bong said he also struggles with sleeping. "Tumatagilid ako. Ang isang kamay ko, minsan nakatuwid lang."

["I sleep sideways. My other arm sometimes just stays straight."]

When out in public, Bong becomes the center of attention.

"Kapag tumitingin sila sa akin nanunukso sila," he said.

["When they look at me, they tease me."]

For this reason, he grew up shy.

"Nahihiya akong makipaglaro sa kanila dahil sa kamay ko. Hindi ako nakikipaglaro sa kanila," Bong said.

["I am shy to play with them because of my arm. That's why I don't join them."]

Bong's relative, Ace, said the teasing would also affect him.

"Minsan madaling magalit din. Lalo na pag may naririnig siya na salita na hindi maganda tungkol sa kanya. Tinatawag siya na para siyang alimango."

["Sometimes he gets angry when he hears negative remarks, such as being told he looks like a crab."]

This was also the reason why Bong stopped schooling.

"Nag-aral ako ng Grade 1. Isang araw lang," he said. "Ang mga kasama, kaklase ko laging nakatingin sa akin."

["I attended Grade 1 for just one day because my classmates kept staring at me."]

Bong's mother, Planie, often visits him at his relatives' home at the farm, which is a 30-minute walk.

The mystery of the twin sister

Planie believes that Bong's condition happened because of a supposed twin. When Planie gave birth to Bong, she also recalled birthing a twin.

"Mayroon akong naramdaman na kasama niya. Naunang lumabas si Bong, sumunod ang kambal niya," she said.

["I felt that someone came out with him. Bong came out first, then his twin followed."]

Bong's mother added, "Paglabas niya tumama sa dingding. Tao rin ang hitsura niya. Babae."

["When she came out, she hit the wall. She looked human too—a girl."]

Planie said their daughter had hair and an angry face but suddenly vanished. The couple believes Bong's twin caused his swollen arm, claiming an "element" cursed him.

"Malaki na ako nang nalaman ko. Sinabi sa akin ni Nanay na mayroon akong kakambal na elemento," Bong said.

["I was already grown up when I learned about it. Mother told me I had an elemental twin."]

He believed he had a twin, but he didn't feel connected to his elemental twin.

Bong's health condition

The couple had never consulted a doctor about Bong's health because they live far from the hospital.

Bong told his mother that he wanted to have a checkup, but they didn't have money and didn't know what to do.

This Christmas, the young man said he wished to have his arm treated.

"Gusto ko sa Paskong ito, maipagamot ang kamay ko," Bong said. "Huwag n'yo na akong sabihan ng pangit."

["This Christmas, all I want is for my arm to heal and for the teasing to stop."]

With the help of "KMJS," Bong was brought to a specialist.

According to the doctor, Bong has a cyst area on his skin, arm, back, and neck, along with a slight deformity in his chest.

"Ang term is lymphatic obstruction. Ang pamamaga niya, 'yung tinatawag na lymphatic system o lymphatic area na bara. Usually ang skin, 'yung muscle, dahan-dahan nag-re-react so lumalaki siya. Nai-stretch," he said.

["The term is lymphatic obstruction. The swelling involves what's called the lymphatic system, where there's a blockage. Usually, the skin and muscle gradually react, causing it to enlarge and stretch."]

The doctor added that Bong's sickness was not due to any curse or magic.

To further understand Bong's condition and know whether his arm will return to its normal size, a series of tests need to be done.

"Need to do biopsy," the doctor said. "Sa chest niya, dapat ma-CT scan. Sa arm niya, dapat siguro vascular study kung wala bang problema sa mga ugat-ugat."

["A biopsy, a chest CT scan, and possibly a vascular study for his arm are needed."]

If the tests result in a chronic problem, he said they can help "correct" the movement of his arm.

Meanwhile, the Lakewood LGU provided Bong with a sleeping kit for better rest, hygiene kits, and a solar light to brighten his home at night. They also promised to prioritize his checkups.

"Makakasiguro po kayo na 'yung ating tanggapan ay bukas para i-monitor 'yung kaniyang kalagayan at mas maibigay pa natin kung ano mang pong puwede natin na ipagkaloob sa kaniya," a representative said.

["You can be assured that our office will closely monitor his condition and provide whatever assistance we can offer."]

Bong will be prioritized for any livelihood programs offered by the local government unit.

Planie was thankful for the help. "Masaya ako na natulungan n'yo ang anak ko."

["I'm happy that you helped my son."]

Bong likewise expressed his gratitude. "Nagpapasalamat kami ni Nanay sa natanggap namin. Salamat sa inyong lahat na tinulungan niyo ako at ang pamilya ko."

["Mother and I are grateful for what we received. Thank you to everyone who helped me and my family."]

For those who wish to help Bong Halius, you may deposit to:

Landbank
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur Branch
Account Name: Planie Andagon Halius
Account Number: 0526-518-900

—JCB, GMA Integrated News