Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said two of its generals have tested negative for COVID-19 after being exposed to a positive individual who was present in events they recently attended.
In a statement, the AFP said Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Felimon Santos, Jr. and AFP Spokesperosn Major General Edgard Arevalo tested negative for the virus following a swab test conducted on July 13.
This is after a staff of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who attended the commissioning and blessing of BRP Jose Rizal last July 10 and an event in Jolo, Sulu on July 13, got infected of the virus.
Lorenzana earlier announced that his test yielded a negative result.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said his test result is expected to be out on Friday.
The AFP said these officials are still completing their 14-day home quarantine. As for the others present during the events, those who had direct contact were also tested, while others are also completing their home quarantine.
In March, it was announced that Santos tested positive for the virus, which came after he presided over the donning of rank for a promoted senior AFP officer who later tested positive of the disease. He then tested negative in April.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police confirmed 37 new COVID-19 cases among its ranks, bringing the total of cases to 1,335.
The number of cops who recovered from the viral disease is now at 565, while casualties remain at nine.
