Al Ain Filipinos remember ‘selfless’ friend killed by Mers virus

ABU DHABI // Al Ain’s Filipino community is mourning one of its members, 45-year-old Abundio Verzosa Esporlas, who died last Thursday after contracting Mers-coronavirus.

Ronnie Balilo, president of the non-profit Filipino Association for Computer Excellence (Face), said the unexpected death of Mr Esporlas, a paramedic, was a “big loss” to the Filipino community in Al Ain, where he had served as a volunteer trainer with Face for many years.

“He selflessly shared his time and knowledge,” Mr Balilo said. “He was very helpful and truly had a golden heart.”

Esporlas worked for Al Ain Rescue and Ambulance Section, part of the Ministry of Interior. Five paramedics are currently battling the virus.

Mr Balilo said his compatriot went from healthy to ill in a short space of time.

“I was told that Abun was very joyful and even performed at the graduation,” said Mr Balilo, referring to a ceremony organised by Face, on April 4, at the Rotana Hotel in Al Ain. “The function was held at 7pm and ended at midnight. The next day, he suffered from respiratory symptoms.”

Taken to Al Ain Hospital less than two days later, on Sunday April 6, the paramedic was told he had bronchitis, Mr Balilo said.

Later that evening, pneumonia was diagnosed, and by the following morning, Esporlas’s kidneys had started to fail. Mers was diagnosed on April 8.

“He was declared clinically dead on Tuesday,” Mr Balilo said. “He was pronounced dead officially early Thursday morning.”

Vivian Palma, 42, who works at a private school in Al Ain and had known the victim since 2010, said Esporlas had not been his usual self at a friend’s birthday party on April 3.

“His face was pale and he was unusually quiet that evening,” she said. “But, he still attended the graduation ceremony the next day. He’s really nice and was like a big brother to me. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Ed Cacalda, 58, an engineer in Al Ain, said the five paramedics have been kept in quarantine.

Four were admitted to Al Ain Hospital, while one man, from Abu Dhabi, is being treated at Mafraq Hospital.

“They are doing well but I’m sad to have lost a friend,” Mr Cacalda said. “He was so talented – he loved to sing, dance and had a great passion for photography.”

Face will offer financial assistance to Esporlas’s family in Palompon, Leyte, one of areas in the Philippines worst hit by Typhoon Haiyan last year.

Of the 5,000 active members of the group, about 1,000 are based in Al Ain. Of those, 100 are regular volunteers.

“Abun once served as our Al Ain co-ordinator about two or three years ago,” Mr Balilo said. “He will really be missed. We are honoured and grateful to have known him as a friend and a dedicated volunteer.”

The paramedic’s sister arrived in the UAE this week, having travelled from her home in the UK after hearing about her brother.

A cremation was due to take place on Sunday and Esporlas’s remains will be repatriated to the Philippines.