PSG chief: Medialdea’s security aides test positive for COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — A number of close-in security personnel assigned to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Col. Jesus Durante III said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Medialdea tested negative for the viral illness, Durante said.

“Okay naman si ES (Medialdea). We’re together last night and yesterday. And he tested negative halos sabay-sabay sila nagpatest eh,” Durante said in a phone interview.

Durante initially did not confirm the exact number of PSG personnel that contracted the respiratory disease but in a separate statement released Wednesday noon, he announced that the number of infected was eight.

“One of my recourse is, I have to change all his security detail for now. Everybody goes on quarantine,” the PSG chief said.

The COVID-19-hit personnel did not have any close contact with President Rodrigo Duterte, Durante assured.

“PSG also assures the public of the President’s safety despite this 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,” he said.

“PSG personnel have their respective VIPs. Those who were assigned to the President are 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.

EDV