Quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients opens at Rizal Memorial Coliseum

May 18, 2020

The quarantine facility in the Rizal Memorial Coliseum formally opened for COVID-19 patients on Monday.

Capt. Jonathan Zata, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief, said the opening of the Task Group-Rizal Memorial Coliseum COVID19 quarantine facility was facilitated by the military.

Zata said the AFP led the blessing ceremony of the quarantine facility which will house patients with suspected COVID-19 cases.

"Present in the ceremony were senior military officers led by Colonel Nelson Pecache, the AFP Surgeon General; Lieutenant Colonel Barbara Lolloni Conte, Chief of Health Care Services, RJTF NCR CARE; and Major Service representatives," he said.

"Also present were retired Brigadier General John Pulido of the Office of the Secretary, Department of Public Works and Highways; representatives from the Department of Health; and other NTF COVID-19 personalities," he added.

Zata said the facility with 100-bed capacity will be manned by an emergency medical team from the AFP Health Service Command composed of four military doctors, nine military nurses and 17 medical aides.

He said an administrative staff consisting of six military officers and six enlisted personnel will also join the emergency medical team.

AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. said “the AFP takes pride in our military doctors, nurses, and security personnel who continue to risk their lives battling the dreaded disease in the frontlines."

"The military organization is grateful, especially to our members manning the temporary treatment facilities in aide of our people who currently face the threat of the virus," he said.

“The AFP salutes our modern-day heroes who continue to fight as one in the name of patriotism and the undeniable love for humanity. Let us continue to work hand in hand, confident that we will emerge triumphant as one nation against any kind of crisis,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS