Despite rising infections, PCG to continue frontline services

July 21, 2020

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vows to continue with its frontline service despite the growing number of COVID-19 cases among its personnel.

Commodore Armando Balilo, PCG spokesman, said "despite the growing fear of being infected by the contagious virus, the men and women of the PCG continue to perform their duties and responsibilities in such a time when their services and proactive presence are significantly needed by the Filipino people."

Balilo said PCG Commandant Vice Admiral George Ursabia Jr. assures the public that the Coast Guard will continue to provide efficient frontline service to support the nation’s fight against the threat of COVID-19.

"At this time, we cannot afford to totally pull out to rest and recuperate," Ursabia said.

"We will have to hold the line and do whatever it takes to render service, even if it entails the ultimate sacrifice for that is what we swore to when we took our oath. They are no longer just words uttered as a matter of formalities, but a commitment to the nation," he added.

According to the PCG, more than 300 frontline personnel tested positive for COVID-19 disease.

"This month, the PCG has recorded an all-time high increase in the number of confirmed positive cases among its officers and personnel, specifically those who are deployed to serve returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), locally stranded individuals (LSIs), fellow frontline workers, and maritime stakeholders," Balilo said. Robina Asido/DMS