Faustino hits ground running after Covid-19 bout


After recovering from Covid-19, Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge Jose Faustino Jr. officially reported to work on Wednesday, July 6, and personally visited the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge Jose Faustino Jr. visits the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on July 6, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)

Faustino was feted with the traditional arrival honors in Camp Aguinaldo, his first visit at the military headquarters as DND OIC and since retiring from the military service last year.

Gen. Andres Centino, AFP Chief of Staff, served as the military host during Faustino’s visit.

Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge Jose Faustino Jr. visits the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on July 6, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)

Faustino’s visit came a week after he tested positive for Covid-19 last June 30.

The DND said Faustino was asymptomatic, fully vaccinated and had booster shot before he tested positive for Covid-19.

“In accordance with health and safety protocols, he finished his seven-day isolation and reported to work physically today,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge Jose Faustino Jr. visits the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on July 6, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)

Faustino was appointed to lead the DND under the new administration after he retired as AFP Chief of Staff in November 2021.

On July 1, Faustino took over the helm at the DND from Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a virtualy ceremony.