Surigao del sur: Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel, who is undergoing medical treatment following a recent motorcycle accident, is now in stable condition and responsive, his son and Provincial Administrator John Vincent Pimentel confirmed in an interview on Monday morning.

According to Philippines News Agency, the governor was involved in an accident last March 20 while riding his motorcycle from Hinatuan and lost control on a slippery curve along the highway in Sitio Puting Buhangin, Barangay Bitaugan East, Cagwait town. Rescue and police personnel responded immediately to the incident, with the governor airlifted to Manila over the weekend after initial treatment at a hospital in Tandag City.

'Overall, he is responsive to the doctors' instructions. He will undergo a series of surgeries,' the younger Pimentel said. He added that the governor communicates by writing some of his responses to doctors and family members, as he has been advised to limit speaking to conserve strength ahead of surgery.

'The governor needs to be further stabilized before his surgeries. To ensure his respiratory function is adequately supported before, during, and after the procedures, the family has enlisted the expertise of a pulmonologist,' Pimentel said. 'The family is thankful to the trauma and response team from Cagwait and the attending physicians at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City for their decisive actions and proper management of the incident's impacts,' he added.

The governor's family continues to request prayers for his full recovery.