AFP chief Santos orders mandatory wearing of face masks in Camp Aguinaldo

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Felimon Santos Jr. on Wednesday ordered the mandatory wearing of face masks inside Camp Aguinaldo following the continuous increase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country. 

According to AFP spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, Santos ordered all military and civilian personnel to wear face masks at all times whether inside or outside offices.

"This is to prevent and control the spread of the deadly disease inside the AFP General Headquarters," Arevalo said in a statement. 

"The measure being implemented seeks to avert an individual, especially both symptomatic and asymptomatic, from spreading saliva droplets into the air or on any surface," he added. 

Arevalo said personnel accessing vehicle and pedestrian entrances at Gate 1 who are not wearing face masks will be denied access beginning April 2. 

He added that the measure would be replicated by other military camps and facilities across the country as needed. 

Santos had tested positive for COVID-19. He is under strict self-quarantine until April 10. —KG, GMA News