Incoming DND OIC Faustino tests positive for COVID-19

Incoming Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19.

Faustino is asymptomatic and is currently under isolation, the DND said in a statement Thursday. He would temporarily fulfill his duties there and will physically report for work after finishing the prescribed quarantine period.

According to the DND, Faustino, a retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) general, contracted the coronavirus after coming into close contact with a COVID-positive individual during one of his engagements prior to his assumption of office on Thursday.

Contact tracing is currently being undertaken among his contacts, the DND said.

Faustino’s transition ceremony will be conducted virtually on Friday, July 1. —Sundy Locus/KBK, GMA News