BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘’Albee’’ Benitez here tested positive for Covid-19.
Benitez made the announcement on Monday, Nov. 7, through his social media account, after he had himself tested upon his arrival in Manila for a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
He said he felt okay but he has mild symptoms.
Benitez came from an official leave in Japan, along with some councilors and barangay captains here.
The mayor reminded the people of Bacolod that the challenges of the coronavirus is still there.
He assured that all day-to-day task of the city would not be hampered as he is working from home.
Meanwhile, Team Asenso, who went to Japan with Benitez, in a statement, said they deemed it necessary and rational to exercise prudence and caution.
The group represented by former Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito said they will self-isolate within the period required by the established protocol of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on persons exposed to a Covid-positive individual.
With Benitez in Japan were Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, Councilors Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Al Victor Espino, Vladimir Gonzalez, Jason Villarosa, Claudio Puentevella, Simple Distrito, Celia Flor, and Pao Sy, former Councilors Sonya Verdeflor and Bart Orola, former Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Patrick Lacson, and the 11 barangay chairmen here.
Atty. Distrito, who was also with them in Japan, assured the public that they will subject themselves to swab testing to ensure that they are free from Covid and for the safety of everyone although they have no symptoms.