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Abalos tests positive for Covid-19 anew

Philippines | National

Abalos tests positive for Covid-19 anew

By Chito Chavez

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has tested positive for Covid-19 anew.

Abalos himself confirmed it on Monday, Oct. 10, adding that he is currently under quarantine and will be unable to attend his meetings for the day.

In July 2020, Abalos was tested positive for Covid-19 making it the second time that he was inflicted with the illness.

Abalos already instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct Covid-19 contact tracing process to determine his possible close contacts.

On Sunday, Abalos visited former senator Leila de Lima, who was taken hostage by three Abu Sayaf inmates inside the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

De Lima survived the hostage-taking attempt while the suspects were gunned down

The DILG chief also held a press conference about the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) operation, where 990 kilograms of shabu worth P6.7 billion were seized.

He was tested positive at 9:12 p.m. on Oct. 9 which is required before attending a meeting at Malacañang the following day.

“I would like to inform the public that I have tested positive for Covid-19. I am currently at home in isolation and working remotely while strictly following recommended protocols, including health and safety procedures. I am grateful to have been fully vaccinated with booster. I am asymptomatic and feeling well as of the moment, Abalos said in a statement.

Abalos together with Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna faced the media in a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Oct. 9 where they narrated the details on the seized P6.7 billion worth of shabu and the arrest of several suspects, including a cop.

With this development, Abalos stated “I continue to urge all my fellow Filipinos to get vaccinated and boosted to protect yourselves and your families from the coronavirus disease.” (Chito A. Chavez)

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