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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider AFP medical team flies to Cebu City to help in pandemic response

AFP medical team flies to Cebu City to help in pandemic response

Published Jun 28, 2020 12:00 am
By Martin Sadongdong A military medical team from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) flew from Metro Manila to Cebu City on Sunday to assist in combatting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) following the sudden rise in the number of infections. (AFP VIA MARTIN SADONGDONG / MANILA BULLETIN (AFP VIA MARTIN SADONGDONG / MANILA BULLETIN) General Felimon Santos Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, said the team, called as "Task Force Central," is composed of nine doctors, 10 nurses, and 13 medical aides. The team, led by Major Maria Adesitas Sagario, underwent precautionary swab testing and flu vaccination before it left Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 8 a.m. via a Philippine Air Force (PAF) C130 transport plane. "This pandemic has erased the limits on how Filipinos could help in this fight and we are glad to be part of this national effort to control and alleviate the impact of COVID-19 in the country," Santos said. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19; Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who was designated by President Duterte to lead the efforts in Cebu City, and Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., AFP Vice Chief of Staff, led the sendoff of the troops. Galvez expressed gratitude to the soldiers for answering the call of duty to help the health workers who are in the frontlines against the pandemic in Cebu City. "We know this is difficult but your dedication, strength, and bravery will boost the morale of your fellow health workers," he said. Meanwhile, Cimatu reminded the team to take care of themselves and perform their duties diligently as representatives of the AFP. For his part, Collado boosted the morale of the troops as he urged them to savor the opportunity of being able to serve the country amid the health crisis. "We are proud of this team for stepping up in this dangerous but very important mission. This is what it means to be a soldier and we know more than anyone that no danger of disease will stop us from accomplishing our mission," he said. Cebu City remains under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest quarantine status, until June 30 following the spike of new infections. As of Saturday, Cebu City has the most number of cases among cities and provinces nationwide with 4,490.
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