Basilan Bishop Leo Dalmao remains in ICU after Christmas Eve emergency; Faithful urged to pray for recovery

Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan. PRELATURE OF ISABELA DE BASILAN/FACEBOOK

DAVAO CITY — The Prelature of Isabela de Basilan has requested prayers for the quick recovery of Bishop Leo Dalmao, who was hospitalized on Christmas Eve.

The Catholic Bishop Conference in a press statement said, the 55-year-old bishop was rushed to the hospital “after feeling unwell” while presiding over a Christmas Eve Mass at the Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral in Isabela City.

According to the prelature, Dalmao was transported by sea ambulance to Zamboanga City, where he was initially admitted to Ciudad Medical and later transferred to Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Center.

“Today, test results revealed that he has raptured aorta,” the prelature said in a statement issued Friday morning before Dalmao was flown to Manila for specialized care.

“We earnestly ask for your prayers for Bishop Dalmao’s healing, strength, and swift recovery,” it added.

Ordained a Claretian priest in 1997, Dalmao was appointed prelate of Isabela by Pope Francis in March 2019. He was ordained to the episcopate and installed shepherd of the prelature on May 24, 2019.