AFP chief orders staff to prepare for distribution of COVID-19 vaccine

July 31, 2020

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr., ordered his staff to plan for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine as it is expected to become available in the country within the year.

"Although it was just mentioned by the president, AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos, Jr. immediately ordered his staff to plan and prepare before December when the vaccines for COVID-19 is expected to become available," Maj. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman said. .

Arevalo issued his statement after President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he wanted the military to facilitate the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine when it become available in the country.

"We are very happy with the trust of our Commander in Chief to the AFP," Arevalo said.

In his address, Duterte asked the military to manage the vaccination for Covid-19.

"Who will bring this? military, only the military. I'm asking the armed forces, I'm asking Gen. Lorenzana, (there's) a set up, there is a task force, but the implementing arm  (is) military," said Duterte.

"Just go to the hospital there are military there... just go to the police station... but it is still the military who will do the vaccination," he added. Robina Asido/DMS