PCG forms task force to treat COVID-19 patients

March 11, 2020

Amid the rising cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the country, the Philippine Coast Guard activated a task force to help provide medical treatment to Covid-19 patients and persons under investigation.

The Task Force Laban Coronavirus with a total of 700 members will be led by Captain Eric Steven Guieb of the PCG - Medical Service.

According to PCG Commandant, Admiral Joel Garcia has directed Commodore Armando Balilo of the Civil Relations Service (CRS) command to identify nurses and medical technologists of the armed service to compose the 100 seven-man team members of the task force.

Balilo said "Guieb shall train the 700 members of PCG Task Force Laban Coronavirus and coordinate their deployment to medical facilities that cater to persons under investigation (PUIs) and COVID-19 patients, as directed by the Department of Health (DOH)."

“The PCG Task Force Laban Coronavirus shall be provided with hazardous material suit, goggles, and gloves," he said.

"They shall also have thermal scanners, masks, and alcohols to implement precautionary measures against the contagious virus and conduct necessary medical assistance,” said Balilo.

PCG ships and other floating assets shall be dispatched for possible medical evacuation, he added.

Balilo said Garcia also urges officers and personnel of the PCG to build up their immune system, to be proactive in addressing COVID-19 symptoms, and to educate their families about the importance of proper handwashing as a precautionary measure against the virus. 

“I exhort the men and women of the PCG to pray for the eradication of COVID-19 in the Philippines. Let us come together and pray for the reduction of confirmed cases and for all PUIs to be free from the virus,” Garcia said.   

Balilo said the PCG are implementing proactive efforts to ensure that COVID-19 will be contained and eradicated soonest, through cooperation of public and private sectors, as well as the public.

"The PCG remains at the frontline of national emergencies, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)," he said. Robina Asido/DMS