The Daily Manila Shimbun

 

Lorenzana says AFP ready to help PNP if Metro Manila lockdown ordered

March 11, 2020

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) if a lockdown is implemented in Metro Manila due to the threat of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus ( COVID-19).
 
"If needed and called, the AFP is ready. The police will manage the lockdown, the AFP will assist when needed," he said.


"AFP will assist PNP if ever there will be one.... we have forces in National Capital Region (NCR) and if needed we can have more," AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said earlier.


"We are preparing for the possibility that AFP facilities and personnel may be tapped to provide assistance in the whole of government approach in combatting COVID-19 that has raised alarms worldwide," he said.


Santos said even before Duterte's declaration of the State of Public Health Emergency, the AFP has been implementing safety measures in its military camps.


"Even before such issuance by the President, I have directed the AFP Health Services Command to institute preventive measures to ensure that military camps have the necessary and stringent safeguards from COVID-19," he said.


"Corollary to this, we have already instituted contingency measures, like body temperature checking before entering key military camps,  establishment of a testing center at AFP Medical Center, and a moratorium on sending AFP personnel to foreign travels except when necessary, among other safeguards," said Santos.


"Military personnel and Civilian Human Resources were also enjoined to practice personal hygiene diligently to mitigate the risks of disease  in our units and offices," he added. Robina Asido/DMS




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