MANILA, Philippines — Defense officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19, the Department of National Defense (DND) said yesterday.
Faustino is fully vaccinated and had received booster shots.
He is asymptomatic.
The DND said Faustino came into close contact with a COVID positive person during his engagements prior to his assumption of office yesterday.
“He will perform his duties while in isolation,” the DND said in a statement, adding the transition ceremony for Faustino will be conducted virtually.
Faustino was designated defense secretary by President Marcos two weeks ago.
He replaced defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana who served under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Faustino was chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for four months under the Duterte government.