A police colonel and a sergeant major are among the latest coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), health officials said Thursday.

Dr. Elizabeth Samama, Maguindanao provincial health chief, said the police officials are now in isolation and remain in stable condition.

The third new patient is from Lanao del Sur, which remains to have the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 patients in BARMM at 222 cases and six fatalities.

Samama said the infected policemen are stationed at Camp Salipada K Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao, the regional headquarters of police in the Bangsamoro region.

“Probably, they acquired the virus while undergoing measurement for police uniform at a tailoring shop in Iligan City,” Samama surmised, adding her theory needed further verification.

The police officers, along with about 40 others, were subjected to rapid tests after experiencing minor symptoms of the disease such as mild cough and slight fever.

Samama said the two Philippine National Police personnel also underwent swabbing at the Maguindanao provincial hospital in Datu Hofer, Maguindanao.

“The 40 other cops who also underwent uniform measurement in the same tailoring tested negative,” she added.

Moreover, Samama said they are awaiting the results of repeat tests of a Philippine Marine general and Marine major who tested positive of Covid-19 last July 27.

The two Marine officers are in stable condition and isolated in their headquarters in Barangay Tugaig, Barira, Maguindanao. “I am hoping they will defeat the disease,” Samama said of the Marine officers and the police officials.

As of Wednesday, Maguindanao has 53 total confirmed cases, six of whom are currently admitted, 23 in isolation facilities, and 24 have recovered.

In the same period, BARMM has a total of 514 cases, 120 of which consist of locally-stranded individuals from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa).

To date, BARMM recorded 376 recoveries. (PNA)