By Martin Sadongdong Catholics were reminded on Easter Sunday that there is hope even in death and suffering as the country continues to face the threat of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE / MANILA BULLETIN) This was the highlight of the message issued by Defense Chief Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as Catholics marked the culmination of the Lenten Season with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. "We join our Catholic faithful in remembering Christ's triumph over death. His resurrection and ascension to glory reminds us of the dawning of a new day brimming with hope, especially amid the suffering and challenges brought on by the pandemic we are now facing," Lorenzana said. He said the pandemic that the Filipinos are facing now should be a good opportunity "to deepen our faith and become bearers of light for our fellowmen." "May the Easter Gospel also inspire us to reach out to those in need, remember to be compassionate as Christ had been, and take heart that we shall triumph against this disease," he said. The Defense chief also lauded all the healthcare workers, security forces and other frontliners who face the unseen enemy in the frontlines on a daily basis -- risking their lives just so others may live. He encouraged others to do their part in preventing the spread of the virus by staying at home, observing proper hygiene, and practicing physical and social distancing. "Nawa'y ang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay ng Panginoon ay magsilbing paalala na mayroong pag-asa sa kabila ng pinakamatinding pagsubok na maaari nating kaharapin (May the Easter Sunday reminds us that there is hope amid the toughest challenge that we may face)," Lorenzana said. Meanwhile, General Felimon Santos Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), also joined the Catholics in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ while "ever mindful of the promise of our risen Savior that we will all conquer whatever crisis and troubles that befall us." "We are in a difficult battle but what the resurrection and our faith tell us is that nothing is impossible," Santos said. "Now is the time to renew our strengths and share it with the afflicted and uncertain, for we are all in this together and we will heal as one," he added. The military chief said the AFP continues to stand side-by-side with the local health workers in dealing with COVID-19. He said over 16,000 troops were deployed to support the enforcement of enhanced community quarantine measures. Some 250 military doctors, nurses, and medical aides were also fielded in quarantine facilities, he noted. "As we are again reminded of our collective sacrifices, we continue to ask for the public's cooperation, support and patience in our fight and triumph against this pandemic," Santos said. Santos concluded his Easter Sunday message by quoting a passage from the Bible: "If the risen Christ be for us, then who can be against us? We are assured by His promise and we will prevail."