Veteran screen actor Christopher De Leon disclosed yesterday that he’s tested positive for COVID-19 as the number of infections steadily rise in the Philippines.
The 63-year-old actor announced his condition in an Instagram post last night.
“Today, our doctor confirmed that I have COVID-19,” he wrote in the caption, adding that he had not traveled overseas or knowingly came in contact with anyone who tested positive for the virus.
“However, due to the nature of my work in the entertainment business, I have interacted with many people. I, therefore, ask anyone who has come in contact me within the last week or two to observe stringent self-quarantine, observe for symptoms and follow the triage procedures published by the DOH [Department of Health], whether asymptomatic or not. Please cooperate with the authorities in their contact tracing efforts.”
He added that his wife, fellow veteran actress Sandy Andolong, along with their daughter and domestic worker, are in quarantine at home.
“In this time of trial, we ask for your prayers and we continue to praise and thank the Lord for His goodness in our lives,” he said, attaching a Bible verse to his Instagram photo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B91VkdDn00J/
De Leon has acted in over 120 films since the 1970s, and appeared in iconic Philippine movies like Bituing Walang Ningning (“Star With no Shine”). The veteran actor is believed to be the first Filipino entertainment personality to admit to testing positive for the disease.
The actor is also working on the ABS-CBN TV series Love Thy Woman. As of this morning, his colleagues have yet to announce on their social media whether they will go into isolation.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Love Thy Woman is a GMA Network series. It’s been updated to reflect that the show runs on ABS-CBN. Coconuts Manila apologizes for any confusion caused.