BuCor chief cleared of COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag has recovered from COVID-19.

In a text message to reporters, Bantag said his swab test on Monday came back negative yesterday, after 22 days of isolation.

“I tested negative (for the virus),” he said.

Bantag did not take a leave of absence despite contracting the disease last month.

He stayed in his office at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa while supervising the BuCor operations during his quarantine.

Bantag’s driver, security escort and BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag also tested positive for COVID-19 last month.