8 PSG members tested positive for COVID-19 – Durante

July 22, 2020

Eight members of the Presidential Security Group have been tested positive for coronavirus disease, an official said on Wednesday.

PSG Group Commander Col. Jesus Durante III said the infected PSG members were assigned at the Office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

"The Executive Secretary initially tested negative," he said.

He clarified that the personnel, including two officers and six enlisted personnel, were on outside duty and did not have any close contact with President Rodrigo Duterte.

He also assured the public of the President's safety despite the "unfortunate situation" as "we continually implement the strict health protocols to our personnel and their dependents to guarantee that the President is safe and healthy."

Durante said the PSG members who have been assigned to the President have been consistently being tested for COVID-19.

"The President’s close-in security personnel further endure being at a separated billeting area to limit their contact even from their comrades and loved ones just to lessen exposure and to ultimately ensure that they do not become the threats, themselves," he added. Celerina Monte/DMS