MANILA, Philippines — The spokesperson of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) placed himself under self-isolation three days before Interior Secretary Eduardo Año contracted the coronavirus disease.

“Senior officials of the Department who were in close contact with the Secretary, including myself, are now in self-quarantine and will observe symptoms in accordance with DOH (Department of Health) protocols,” DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a statement on Wednesday.

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In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Malaya said he started his self-quarantine on March 28 because he opted to work from home. He had his last interaction with Año on March 25.

“I’ve been on self-quarantine since last Saturday night after my show at DZMM. My last interaction with SILG was last Wednesday, a week ago,” Malaya said.

Secretary Año announced on Tuesday night, March 31, that he tested positive for COVID-19 but is not experiencing symptoms of the infectious disease.

Despite Año’s health issue, Malaya said Año has assured unhampered operations of the DILG and its other sectors namely Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail and Penology Management (BJMP).

“Therefore, we wish to assure the public that the Secretary is fully in charge and that the operations of the entire Department including the interior sector — the PNP, BFP and the BJMP — will not in any way be affected by this development,” he said.

Malaya also noted that Año has constant communication with President Rodrigo Duterte, senior officials of DILG, Inter-Agency Task Force and other government agencies that aim to address the COVID-19 crisis.

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For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

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