AFP responds to changes in quarantine status
Published Jun 2, 2020 12:00 am
By Martin Sadongdong
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday expressed readiness with their current troop deployment as several areas have shifted to general community quarantine (GCQ) in preparation for the "new normal."
Philippine Armed Forces Spokesperson Brig.Gen. Edgard Arevalo
(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez / MANILA BULLETIN) Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said there have been no changes yet as to their current deployment but he expects that there will be in the coming days depending on the developments that will be implemented by the national government to curb the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). "We are prepared with our current deployment of our personnel in relation to the changes in the local quarantine status," he said. Last Monday, more relaxed health protocols were implemented in Metro Manila after President Duterte placed the capital region, among other areas, under GCQ. Under GCQ, more industries were allowed to operate as the government attempts to revive the economy. This is also a period before the modified GCQ (MGCQ) where less stringent health protocols will be put in place, and the new normal or the new standard way of living in co-existing with the virus until there is no vaccine or cure is found. Since community quarantine was implemented in Metro Manila -- and eventually all over Luzon and other parts of the country -- in March, the AFP has fielded thousands of military personnel to man checkpoints with the police, deliver relief aid to affected communities, and assist in the operations and maintenance of quarantine and testing centers nationwide. Military assets including transport planes and ships were also used to fetch medical supplies and equipment to and from the country, as well as mobilize health personnel in areas that are difficult to reach by land. Arevalo expressed confidence that the military has enough manpower to continue helping the national government in its COVID-19 response while dealing with other issues on the ground, including terrorism, communist insurgency, and securing the country's territorial waters. "We will make adjustments in the distribution of AFP personnel as may be necessary based on the developments starting today," he said. Arevalo also assured the public that the deployments will still be done together with the police and in coordination with the local government units.
Philippine Armed Forces Spokesperson Brig.Gen. Edgard Arevalo(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez / MANILA BULLETIN) Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said there have been no changes yet as to their current deployment but he expects that there will be in the coming days depending on the developments that will be implemented by the national government to curb the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). "We are prepared with our current deployment of our personnel in relation to the changes in the local quarantine status," he said. Last Monday, more relaxed health protocols were implemented in Metro Manila after President Duterte placed the capital region, among other areas, under GCQ. Under GCQ, more industries were allowed to operate as the government attempts to revive the economy. This is also a period before the modified GCQ (MGCQ) where less stringent health protocols will be put in place, and the new normal or the new standard way of living in co-existing with the virus until there is no vaccine or cure is found. Since community quarantine was implemented in Metro Manila -- and eventually all over Luzon and other parts of the country -- in March, the AFP has fielded thousands of military personnel to man checkpoints with the police, deliver relief aid to affected communities, and assist in the operations and maintenance of quarantine and testing centers nationwide. Military assets including transport planes and ships were also used to fetch medical supplies and equipment to and from the country, as well as mobilize health personnel in areas that are difficult to reach by land. Arevalo expressed confidence that the military has enough manpower to continue helping the national government in its COVID-19 response while dealing with other issues on the ground, including terrorism, communist insurgency, and securing the country's territorial waters. "We will make adjustments in the distribution of AFP personnel as may be necessary based on the developments starting today," he said. Arevalo also assured the public that the deployments will still be done together with the police and in coordination with the local government units.