AFP chief Santos tested positive for COVID-19 - Lorenzana

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Felimon Santos Jr. has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed on Friday.

Lorenzana told reporters that he was informed of Santos' condition just this morning. Santos' result was released Thursday.

The DND chief said he would go on self-quarantine as he had direct contact with Santos. He, however, said he has not experienced any flu-like symptoms.

"Protocol says I have to self-quarantine for 14 days," Lorenzana said.

"I had close proximity with him on two occasions: in VAB (Villamor Air Base) during the turn over of medical supplies to me last Sunday p.m, 21 Mar, and again last Monday afternoon 22 March, here in GHQ and at the Heroes Hall, Malacañang," he added.

Lorenzana is the chairman of the government's national action plan which enforces measures against COVID-19.

In a separate statement, the AFP Public Affairs Office said military physicians from the V. Luna Medical Center would closely monitor Santos who will be on strict home quarantine until April 10.

"He is well and in good health condition. He will be in his military quarters where he will continue the discharge of his duties and responsibilities," the AFP PAO said.

According to the AFP PAO, Santos had donned the new rank of a senior military official who later tested positive for COVID-19.

As he is working from home, Santos will be assisted by AFP Vice Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado, Jr. who shall oversee the daily operational activities while Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria will attend to the administrative matters.

The AFP PAO said those who had close contact with Santos beginning March 13 to 27 should also observe self-quarantine.

Those who had similar contact with him from March 9 to 12 are also advised to take precautions and seek medical advice, according to the AFP PAO.

Meanwhile, AFP has already stepped-up its measures to protect all its personnel from infection, particularly those who are still working inside Camp Aguinaldo.

Santos already ordered the availability of a military treatment facility within the camp to cater specifically to AFP personnel manifesting symptoms of COVID-19.

On Thursday, Santos said a senior military official and his wife tested positive for COVID-19.

The military official had a history of foreign travel. He and his wife are admitted at V. Luna as persons under investigation (PUIs) on March 15.—AOL, GMA News