15 PSG personnel test positive for COVID-19

Fifteen members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) tested positive for COVID-19, PSG commander Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said Thursday.

Cabangbang said those who tested positive are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and were not exposed to President Rodrigo Duterte recently.

"They were coming off holiday break, kaya hindi sila nagkaroon ng contact sa Presidente (the President is not among their close contact)," Cabangbang said.

"After undergoing the mandatory quarantine for seven days, they were administered RT-PCR test, and 15 personnel yielded [COVID-19] positive test results. They are not in any way detailed with the President. All personnel were fully vaccinated and are asymptomatic," Cabangbang added in a later statement.

Cabangbang also assured the public that the said PSG personnel are being taken care of in accordance with government protocols.

"PSG is strictly adhering to the highest standards of performing its primary mandate, that is, to protect the Commander-in-Chief, our beloved President Duterte," Cabangbang said.

"Your PSG assures the public that we are fit and able to protect the President so he can continue his mandate to serve this nation," he added.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles earlier said that all health protocols are strictly followed to ensure that the President will stay COVID-19 free while exercising his duty as commander-in-chief. — RSJ, GMA News