John Tumbokon could not believe that the passing of his parents was only a few days apart due to COVID-19 in Parañaque this September.
Rodel Tumbokon, 60, a pest control business owner, and his wife Ruth, 54, died of a respiratory disease that continues to spread around the world.
“‘Di ko talaga maintindihan bakit kinuha kayong dalawa. Tapos same week pa halos. Hindi ba pwedeng magkaibang year? At the same time nagu-guilty ako kasi ako nagdala ng COVID sa bahay,” he said in a Facebook post.
“Hanggang ngayon, ‘di pa rin ako makapaniwala na wala na po kayong dalawa … Nitong mga araw lang, parang nawalan ako ng drive sa buhay,” he said.
“Dati, ‘pag nase-stress ako lagi, ako nagpapatugtog ng Christmas songs kahit hindi Pasko or Ber month. Pero na-realize ko, kaya pala ako naka-calm sa Christmas dahil naalala ko kayo kung gaano tayo kasaya tuwing Pasko…”
“‘Di na effective na stress reliever sa’kin ‘yung Christmas songs.”
John’s sister Ruthel Anne Delima told ABS-CBN News that John first tested positive for COVID-19. Next, their parents developed symptoms, and the other housemates later.
“Unang nagka-COVID ang bunsong kapatid ko na si John. Naka-quarantine naman s’ya sa isang kwarto… Nahawa pa rin ang mga nakatira sa house – si Mommy, Daddy, Lola at Tito namin,” said Delima.
Couple dies just days apart due to COVID-19
“Nagkaroon sila ng symptoms nung [August] 31. Si Daddy, sumasakit na ang ulo. Then, the next day, nagkalagnat. Tapos, mawawala. Tapos, biglang magkakaroon ulit. September 2 sila nung nawalan ng mga panlasa. Mommy ko naman ay ganun rin ang nangyari. Mas nauna lang talaga kumalat ang sakit sa katawan ni Daddy.”
According to Delima, their father had difficulty breathing on September 6. It happened early, but he passed away the next day.
Their mother also had difficulty breathing on the day of her husband’s death and was taken to the hospital on September 9.
The following days were difficult for Delima as her mother battled the disease before she passed away on September 13.
Delima promises to take care of and help her brother in the new phase of their lives.
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