AFP spokesperson, Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said it is "vigorously" implementing established health protocols against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to reduce infections in its ranks.
"These include contact tracing, regular building and facility disinfections, and stringent screening measures relative to the entry and exit of personnel and visitors in the course of official businesses," said Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, in a press statement.
At present, the AFP has 221 Covid-19 active cases with 148 recoveries while a civilian employee succumbed to the disease.
Out of the recoveries, 126 were cleared and allowed to go back to work.
"We will ensure that members of the AFP are physically fit and healthy to continue performing its mission as the country’s dependable force to address national security issues and even the pandemic," Arevalo said.
Meanwhile, he added that the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test conducted on AFP chief-of-staff and Joint Chiefs chair, Gen. Felimon Santos, and himself yielded negative results for the virus.
"Both AFP generals, the Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, and other key officials who were in Headquarters of 11th Army Division in Jolo, Sulu Monday 13 July 2020 underwent swab tests administered by V. Luna Hospital," he added.
All officials will remain under strict home quarantine to complete the required duration while performing their duties and responsibilities unimpeded, Arevalo said. (PNA)
