NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and former Third District congressman and now provincial consultant Alfredo "Albee" Benitez will undergo swab testing at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Aside from them, at least 11 mayors along with Third District Representative Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez and Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative Joseph Stephen "Caraps" Paduano will also undergo swab testing five days after they were exposed to Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco, Provincial Administrator lawyer Rayfrando Diaz II said.

Zayco, who was among those who attended the gathering of Love Negros on Saturday, September 18, at Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City, tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday, September 20.

He is currently in stable condition at a private hospital in Bacolod City, Jake Gonzales, Public Information Officer of Kabankalan City, earlier said.

Talisay City Neil Lizares III, who was also in the gathering, announced through his official Facebook page on Tuesday, September 21, that he was also tested positive for the Covid-19 virus and is now in isolation.

Lizares said it is possible that he was infected with the virus at a departmental meeting and not during the Love Negros event.

Asked if the drivers and bodyguards of the officials present at the event of Love Negros will also be tested, Diaz said he has no idea who among the attendees have their drivers and bodyguards with them.

Diaz, however, said if they had close contacts and long exposures to those who have been tested positive, they can also be swabbed.

Lacson, on the other hand, said he has been on self-isolation and doing some works at home.