Update
MANILA, Philippines — All Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel were advised to place themselves under self-quarantine until April 10, its commander Col. Jesus Durante III said Friday.
“I require all PSG personnel to go on self quarantine effective 28 March. No PSG personnel to go out of Malacañang complex until 10 April,” Durante said in a message to reporters.
Personnel of the Office of the President (OP) will have to employ a skeletal force, but still subjected to screening procedures.
“OP personnel is to maintain their skeletal workforce and shall be allowed to go to their respective offices within Malacañang complex subject to regular screening procedures,” he said.
A member of the House of Representatives who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) attended a meeting in Malacañang last week.
PSG earlier said ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Go Yap did not disclose that he was experiencing symptoms of the disease when he entered the premises, hence, it is eyeing to file a case against him.
Durante said Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. who tested positive for the virus also visited Malacañang.
“Kasi I consider, na-contaminate na kami e. Ito nga si Congressman tapos ngayon ito si Chief of Staff nag-test positive. Pumupunta din dito yan,” Durante told Inquirer.
(I consider that the premises are contaminated because of the congressman and now the chief of staff who tested positive. He also visited here.)
Durante said a revision to the declaration form for visitors was made, asking whether an individual was tested for the virus, due to the recent incidents.
“‘Have you been tested for COVID-19?’ And may nilagay na kami sa dulo na held liable for any misdeclaration,” he said.
(‘Have you been tested for COVID-19? And we also put in the form that they will be held liable for any misdeclaration.)