Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. said his RT-PCR test result on Monday afternoon confirmed his COVID-19 infection.

"I received confirmation that I have tested positive (for) COVID-19 with the result of my RT-PCR this afternoon," said Faustino.

Faustino, who is fully vaccinated said he is "in high spirits to continue performing my job, albeit in quarantine."

"I will remain in command of the AFP but will continue to follow the prescribed isolation protocol to ensure the safety of those I work with and my family. In fact, I intend to join virtually the Western Mindanao Command change of command ceremony tomorrow," he said.

"Allow me to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to support our government's vaccination efforts and to get inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine whenever and wherever they can," he added.

Faustino initially learned about his infection after he was positive in an antigen testing on Monday morning.

He cancelled two scheduled media briefings and started his self-quarantine upon learning his antigen test result. Robina Asido/DMS