AFP says 33 soldiers tested positive for COVID-19

April 20, 2020

Some 33 soldiers have contracted the coronavirus disease, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Monday.

In a virtual media forum, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said this was the first time they have disclosed the number of infected troopers because they did not want to create an impression that the individuals who were supposed to have control of the situation have been downed by the virus.

Arevalo said they also need to disclose the figures to show to the public that the government troops are "not super people," thus, everybody should cooperate in the enhanced community quarantine being implemented by the government to further prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Aside from the confirmed cases, 111 military personnel plus four of their dependents are considered probable cases while 141 soldiers and 21 of their dependents are suspected cases, Arevalo said.

So far, he said there were 20 soldiers who have recovered from the virus.

Earlier, AFP Chief General Filemon Santos Jr. was one of those who recovered from COVID-19 after he was tested positive last month. Celerina Monte/DMS