AFP chief Santos now negative for COVID-19, spokesman says

April 5, 2020

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Felimon Santos Jr. has turned negative for coronavirus disease infection after undergoing a second test, an official said on Sunday.

This was after Santos was initially tested positive for the virus nine days ago.

"We are pleased to announce that the AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. has been tested negative for COVID-19 following the test conducted by the Department of Health and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine,” Marine Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said in a statement.

“He is thereby deemed to have recovered although he has not experienced any of the symptoms of virus infection ever since,” he added.

Arevalo said the AFP chief received his result Sunday, April 5 and he was first tested positive for COVID-19 last March 27.

“He continued from his quarters the discharge of his duties and responsibilities as AFP Chief,” he said.

The military official thanked the people for their continuing prayers and support to Santos and to every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine who tirelessly protect fellow Filipinos and the communities against COVID-19 and other threats to national well-being.

“We continue our call for everyone to cooperate: stay home, use masks, observe proper hygiene, and maintain physical distancing,” Arevalo said.

“This battle against COVID-19 is everybody’s fight that should start from our respective homes. The life we are saving by doing that could be our own or that of our loved ones,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS