Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA), promised to modernize the medical facilities of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao as the military continues to face threats of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection.
Brawner visited the 6ID headquarters on Friday, Jan. 7, where he commended the troops for their continued service in the frontline of the fight against the pandemic.A
Aside from a vicious virus, the troops also face threat from various communist and terrorist groups based in Maguindanao.
Brawner said the least that he can do for the 6ID personnel is to ensure that they will be taken cared of if they need medical assistance while in the line of duty.
As such, Brawner said he intends to “upgrade and expand the Army’s medical treatment facilities to provide world-class health services for troops.”
He commended the 6ID’s efforts to expand its hospital through the help of private-sector partners.
He also cited the P120 million new hospital building for the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) which was funded under the “Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Brawner said the Army looks to partner with DPWH and the private sector to fund the modernization of medical treatment facilities in other Army units, including in the 6ID.
Meanwhile, the Army chief directed the troops to strictly comply with health protocols amid the surging COVID-19 infections nationwide.
He reiterated his guidance to the commanders and other personnel to take care of their physical and mental health; enhance their skills and competencies; and ensure that much-needed resources will reach all Army units.