Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23) — The chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday said he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Lt. General Jose Faustino confirmed the news in a statement, saying he found out after receiving the result of his RT-PCR test this afternoon.
“I will remain in command of the AFP but will continue to follow the prescribed isolation protocol to ensure the safety of those I work with and my family. In fact, I intend to join virtually the Western Mindanao Command Change of Command Ceremony tomorrow,” he said.
Faustino added he was “fully vaccinated and in high spirits.”
Before taking the reins of the AFP in July, Faustino was commander of Joint Task Force Mindanao, acting Army chief, and commander of the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command.
He is the 10th AFP chief appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte, succeeding Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who has retired.
