NDRRMC chief Jalad tested positive for COVID-19 —spox

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad has tested positive for COVID-19, a spokesperson said Friday.

NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said Jalad has mild symptoms and is “alright”.

“Usec. Jalad po tested positive kahapon [Usec. Jalad tested positive on Thursday] and is part of the 116,” he told reporters in a message.

“He has mild symptoms and is currently in isolation. He is fully vaccinated and [he] informed me that he's alright,” he added.

In a statement, Jalad assured the public that the COVID-19 infections reported in the office will not affect the service of the OCD.

“Despite this circumstance, Team OCD remains strong and fully committed to our responsibilities to our people,” Jalad said.

“We assure our people that we are not hindered in any way to serve. We will overcome COVID-19,” he added.

On Thursday, Timbal said 116 OCD personnel have tested positive for COVID-19, while some 104 off-duty personnel requested to be tested.

As of Friday morning, Timbal said they are still waiting for the update on the number of infected personnel.

“We are waiting for an update for this morning’s count of positive cases,” he said.

The OCD Central Office will be closed until Monday, August 30, for disinfection procedures.  —KBK/RSJ, GMA News