Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, according to the AFP in an announcement.
"General Centino is now in an approved isolation facility within Camp Aguinaldo where he will continue to perform his job, albeit in quarantine," the AFP said in a statement.
According to the announcement, Centino will remain in full command of the AFP despite isolation, and will still supervise all units in carrying out their assigned tasks.
Meanwhile, Centino reminded members of the AFP to continuously observe safety measures and follow health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"The AFP continues to advocate the preservation of our force so that we can effectively perform our mandate to protect the people and secure the state," the announcement said.
Centino is the latest high-ranking member of the government to contract COVID-19.
Over the week, Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, and Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian announced that they also tested positive for the disease.
Senators Ping Lacson and Win Gatchalian also disclosed that they contracted COVID-19.
Even Philippine National Police chief Police General Dionardo Carlos revealed he also caught COVID-19.
