At least 15 members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
This was confirmed to Malacañang reporters Thursday, Jan. 6 by Col. Randolph Cabangbang, chief of the PSG.
According to Cabangbang, the 15 PSG members--who underwent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests--have all been vaccinated against COVID-19. They are all asymptomatic.
"All personnel were fully vaccinated and are asymptomatic. This Command, through PSG Task Force COVID-19 is attending to these personnel in accordance with IATF/DOH (Inter-Agency Task Force/ Department of Health) protocols," Cabangbang said in an ensuing statement Thursday afternoon.
The PSG provides for the close-in security of President Duterte.
Asked if the infected personnel had any prior contact with the Chief Executive, Cabangbang said no. "They are not in any way detailed with the President."
"PSG is strictly adhering to the highest standards of performing its primary mandate, that is, to protect the Commander-in-Chief, our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Your PSG assures the public that we are fit and able to protect the President so he can continue his mandate to serve this nation," Cabangbang said.
He said the COVID-stricken PSG members "all came from the holiday break".
There is a new surge in COVID-19 cases that's supposedly being fueled by the Omicron variant.