Barangay tanod who doubted COVID-19 threat changes mind after catching virus

A barangay tanod who used to doubt the threat posed by COVID-19 changed his mind when he himself tested positive for the disease.

Mathew Glenn Belarmino, 37, shared the story of his turnaround on Wednesday's "24 Oras."

Belarmino said he initially thought he would be safe from the pandemic despite his position as a frontliner.

Working as a tanod in Barangay Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila, he is among the first responders who take patients to various hospitals.

When he caught the virus, he finally realized that COVID-19 is real. He thankfully recovered and eventually returned to work.

Now, he encourages others to acknowledge the danger and take precautions to protect their health.

To alleviate the struggle of people like Belarmino, the GMA Kapuso Foundation donated over 1,000 fully loaded grocery packs to the residents of his barangay.

The Kapuso Foundation is still accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuiller, and Pay Maya. Vouchers can also be bought from Shopee and Zalora.

For more information, please visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation's website.

—MGP, GMA News