The Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield welcomed the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas, and vowed it will remain vigilant amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
JTF Corona Virus Shield Commander PLTGEN. Guillermo Eleazar said the move is “a form of recognition of the hard work and sacrifices” of the country’s security forces in preventing the spread of the virus. The strict implementation of home quarantine measures will be “partly eased” in some areas of the country after April 30 while the ECQ will still be in place by mid-May.
“But our troops in those areas are expected to remain vigilant and continue implementing the guidelines of the IATF-MEID pertaining to this,” Eleazar assured.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also expressed support for the announcement of the Chief Executive.
“We will make the necessary adjustments in our troop deployments in coordination with the PNP and the LGUs in accordance with these changes in the coverage of community quarantine,” AFP Spokesperson BGEN. Edgard Arevalo shared.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Aῆo reminded local governments whose areas are considered as low-risk and plan to implement their own ECQ must seek IATF approval.
