MANILA (UCAN): Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, ratcheted up his government’s efforts against the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by deploying the military to crack down on quarantine violators.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, Edgard Arevalo, said on April 21 that the president had called in the military in response to requests from local officials who think their presence is necessary for more stringent enforcement of quarantine rules imposed across Luzon, the largest and most populated island in the country.
He said the military was now working with the police to enforce a “martial law-like lockdown” if many residents in the national capital region of Metro Manila continue to flout government orders to stay at home.
“When directed, we are ready to take on the task of enforcing discipline and order where there is a breakdown in both, and (if) the people do not heed government pleas to observe community quarantining,” Arevalo said.
The police warned that no more warnings would be given before arresting quarantine violators.
“Police have warned at least 96,000 residents, but many still are on the streets,” police chief, Archie Gamboa, said.
“When we liken the lockdown to ‘martial law,’ we are emphasising that arrests will be made. The public must show that they are capable of behaving. Otherwise, we will not issue warnings anymore. We will immediately arrest violators,” he said.
Arevalo warned that facilities have been prepared to house arrested people. He also welcomed the presence of the military to enforce the measures.
Meanwhile, the Camillian Missionaries processed the Blessed Sacrament through the Quezon Institute, one of the country’s Covid-19 quarantine facilities.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
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Wearing personal protective equipment and stoles, the Camillian fathers visited doctors, nurses and other hospital staff, as well as Covid-19 patients in a gesture of moral support to boost spirits.
The team, headed by former health secretary, Paulyn Ubial, said it wanted to give spiritual nourishment to both patients and health workers at the medical facility.
As of April 26, the Philippines had recorded 7,294 cases with 494 deaths. CNN Philippines reported on April 21 that 654 people had recovered from the illness.
