MANILA, Philippines — Filipino health frontliners who died while fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) menace deserve to be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, a lawmaker proposed Thursday.

AKO BICOL party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin made the call as more frontliners—such as health workers—succumbto the disease which has infected over 3,800 people in the country.

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“Every Filipino frontliner who dies in this COVID-19 war deserves to be laid to rest at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani because of their supreme sacrifice for love of country, loyalty to the people, and devotion to their profession,” Garbin said in a statement.

“The ceremonies need not be done immediately. According to the COVID-19 protocols, the remains are cremated first. In our proposal, the ultimate resting place would be the Libingan ng Mga Bayani,” he added.

Garbin said that the move will be a way to honor the lives of those who died while fighting the pandemic.

“When Congress reconvenes, I will request the House leadership to approve our motion to express our collective gratitude, on behalf of the Filipino people, to all the frontliners in the fight against COVID-19,” Garbin said.

“Our motion will propose that every heroic Filipino health professional who dies in the line of duty against COVID-19 be buried with state honors at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani,” the lawmaker added.

In a phone interview with INQUIRER.net, Garbin clarified that it is still up to the families if they want their loved ones to be transferred to the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“A resolution from Congress recognizing their supreme sacrifice for the love of country, loyalty and devotion to their profession will do,” Garbin said.

As of April 8, the Department of Health (DOH) said there are 3,870 COVID-19 cases in the country, with the death toll at 182.

The health department added that 252 health workers have so far tested positive for COVID-19.

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GSG