AFP preparing to support distribution of COVID-19 once available

December 7, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is preparing to support the government agencies in distributing COVID-19 vaccines.

"We are now gearing up preparing to support other agencies on the distribution and transport of vaccines once they are made available," AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a public briefing on Monday.

"This is what the armed forces do now, we continue our support when it comes to our government efforts to adress this Covid-19 pandemic," he added.

Gapay said the military will use its available assets to transport vaccines, especially in far-flung areas.

"Initially our tasking is on transport and distribution of vaccines especially in farflung areas that cannot be reached by other government agencies so we will be guided by the provisions and the guidelines that will be published by the IATF so we're utilizing our  air, naval and ground assets, we will help on the distribution of vaccines," he said.

"The Armed Forces will help not only on the transportation and distribution but also in assuring peace and order and will provide other assistance that will be requested by the interagency task force," he added. Robina Asido/DMS