AFP tells Filipinos: Have faith, we will triumph over virus pandemic
Published Apr 6, 2020 12:00 am
By Martin Sadongdong
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday joined the Christian faithfuls worldwide in a "peaceful and pious" observance of the Lenten season amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Philippine Armed Forces Spokesperson Brig.Gen. Edgard Arevalo
(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez / MANILA BULLETIN) In a Lenten message, Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, urged the Filipinos to believe that the country will emerge victorious over the health crisis that it is facing now. "As we mark the start of the Holy Week, let us be reminded of God’s infinite love and mercy that He sent His only begotten son to bring us salvation. Let us draw inspiration from Christ’s suffering and passion in the cross where in the end He triumphed over death," Arevalo said. "Let us have the faith that we will be able to hurdle this test of Filipino resilience and indomitable spirit— confident that this, too, shall pass," he added. Arevalo stressed that the military will remain committed to protect the communities not only from the dreaded disease, but also against other threats including terrorist groups and other enemies of the state. "I enjoin every member of the AFP to heed the call to selflessly serve our country especially at this time of great need," he said. As such, Arevalo said military doctors, nurses, and aid men will render a 24/7 duty as the Ninoy Aquino Stadium opens as a quarantine and treatment facility for COVID-19 patients, persons under investigation (PUIs), and persons under monitoring (PUMs). "I am aware of the many and varying difficulties we are experiencing like crosses we bear on our shoulders not only in this time of Lent but also in the period of enhanced community quarantine. But in carrying faithfully our share in the load, the burden will be lighter and more bearable," the military official said. Arevalo likewise enjoined the public to do their part by following the safety measures set by the government including staying at home, practicing social distancing, promoting personal hygiene, and wearing face masks, among others. "We need all the support from everybody— including prayers. Let us include our health workers and our less fortunate kababayans in our daily devotions," he said. "This is the time when being healthy physically is a patriotic duty just as being spiritually clean is a divine obligation.” Meanwhile, Arevalo assured all the troops serving at the frontlines that they will be protected by the military leadership. "Your health will always be of utmost importance to the AFP leadership as we endeavor to preserve the fighting force to help the country win this battle," he said. It has been four weeks since the enhanced community quarantine was implemented in Luzon to slow down the spread of the virus. Since then, the military has been serving at the frontlines to ensure the enhanced quarantine is being enforced in an orderly manner.
Philippine Armed Forces Spokesperson Brig.Gen. Edgard Arevalo(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez / MANILA BULLETIN) In a Lenten message, Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, urged the Filipinos to believe that the country will emerge victorious over the health crisis that it is facing now. "As we mark the start of the Holy Week, let us be reminded of God’s infinite love and mercy that He sent His only begotten son to bring us salvation. Let us draw inspiration from Christ’s suffering and passion in the cross where in the end He triumphed over death," Arevalo said. "Let us have the faith that we will be able to hurdle this test of Filipino resilience and indomitable spirit— confident that this, too, shall pass," he added. Arevalo stressed that the military will remain committed to protect the communities not only from the dreaded disease, but also against other threats including terrorist groups and other enemies of the state. "I enjoin every member of the AFP to heed the call to selflessly serve our country especially at this time of great need," he said. As such, Arevalo said military doctors, nurses, and aid men will render a 24/7 duty as the Ninoy Aquino Stadium opens as a quarantine and treatment facility for COVID-19 patients, persons under investigation (PUIs), and persons under monitoring (PUMs). "I am aware of the many and varying difficulties we are experiencing like crosses we bear on our shoulders not only in this time of Lent but also in the period of enhanced community quarantine. But in carrying faithfully our share in the load, the burden will be lighter and more bearable," the military official said. Arevalo likewise enjoined the public to do their part by following the safety measures set by the government including staying at home, practicing social distancing, promoting personal hygiene, and wearing face masks, among others. "We need all the support from everybody— including prayers. Let us include our health workers and our less fortunate kababayans in our daily devotions," he said. "This is the time when being healthy physically is a patriotic duty just as being spiritually clean is a divine obligation.” Meanwhile, Arevalo assured all the troops serving at the frontlines that they will be protected by the military leadership. "Your health will always be of utmost importance to the AFP leadership as we endeavor to preserve the fighting force to help the country win this battle," he said. It has been four weeks since the enhanced community quarantine was implemented in Luzon to slow down the spread of the virus. Since then, the military has been serving at the frontlines to ensure the enhanced quarantine is being enforced in an orderly manner.