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AFP Chief tests negative for COVID-19

Philippines | National

AFP Chief tests negative for COVID-19

By Aaron Recuenco

General Felimon Santos, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has tested negative for COVID-19. The test was conducted after he had been exposed to a Navy officer infected with the disease.

Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos (ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES / MANILA BULLETIN)

Both Santos and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had been exposed to a Navy officer who turned out to be positive for COVID-19 during the commissioning of BRP Jose Rizal, the latest modern warship of the Philippine Navy at Subic.

On Wednesday, Lorenzana said he tested negative.

Santos tested positive for coronavirus last March and has since recovered.

Santos said those who had direct contact with the Navy officer were subjected to swab test while those who have not were only advised to go on quarantine.

For his part, Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said he is still waiting for the result of the COVID test administered on him. Bacordo was also present during the commissioning of the BRP Jose Rizal.

“Right now I’m asymptomatic. But I am on a self-quarantine while waiting for the result of the test,” said Bacordo.

President Duterte was supposed to be in the same activity but was prevented by the Presidential Security Group due to health safety reasons. Instead, he gave his message via video that was played during the ceremony.

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