8 Covid-19 positive PSG men didn’t come into contact with PRRD

In a press statement, Durante ensured that the eight PSG personnel infected with Covid-19 did not have any close contact with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (Pexels photo)

MANILA – Eight Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), PSG commander Col. Jesus Durante III confirmed on Wednesday.

In a press statement, Durante ensured that the eight PSG personnel infected with Covid-19 did not have any close contact with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Durante said the infected security personnel were detailed with the office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea who initially tested negative for Covid-19.

“The said personnel to include two officers and six enlisted personnel, are on outside duty and did not have any close contact with the President,” he said.

Durante’s announcement came just nearly a week before Duterte delivers his fifth and penultimate State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

The PSG has been on high-alert status since the country was hit by Covid-19 to ensure Duterte’s safety.

All health and safety protocols have been enforced within Malacañan Palace and other areas frequented by Duterte.

Duterte ‘safe, healthy’

Despite the latest development concerning the eight PSG personnel, Durante guaranteed that strict health and quarantine rules remain in place to make sure that Duterte stays “safe and healthy.”

“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,” Durante said.

Durante said PSG personnel assigned to guard Duterte are “consistently” being tested for Covid-19.

He made the assurance, as he stressed that PSG remains steadfast in being a “360-degree shield for the President and the seat of central power in the country.”

“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,” Durante said.