Malaybalay Bukidnon bishop's residence on lockdown due to COVID-19

The residence of the bishop of Malaybalay diocese in Bukidnon is on lockdown for four days as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the province.

The SID Press, the Chancery, and the Bishop's House Office will all be closed from May 2 up to May 6, 2021.

All the personnel underwent the rapid antigen test and all were found to be negative for the virus that causes COVID-19.

The announcement, which was posted on the Malaybalay Diocese Facebook page, came after the death of a diocesan priest due to COVID-19.

"On the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, 01 MAY 2021, at 8:15PM, the attending doctor at Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City declared FR. DIOMEDES A. BRIGOLI, dead due to COVID-19 complications."

"The Diocese of Malaybalay and the bereaved family mourn for the death of another beloved "Paring Bukidnon." The Diocese enjoins everyone to pray for the repose of his soul. His body is immediately brought for cremation," the diocese announced.

The seat of the Malaybalay diocese is currently vacant after the Bishop Jose Cabantan was assigned by Pope Francis to lead the Cagayan De Oro archdiocese.

Earlier, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Jose Cabantan announced that six churches in Misamis Oriental will be on lockdown from April 28 up to May 7, 2021 after some priests tested positive for COVID-19.

The churches are: Jesus Nazareno and San Isidro in Cagayan de Oro, Our Lady of Candelaria in Tagoloan town, Inmaculada Concepcion in the town of Jasa-an, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Bobontugan town, and Santa Cruz in Laguindingan. -- BAP, GMA News