Military biothreat body ready vs virus

MANILA — Disaster response units skilled in containing biological threats and medical doctors from the Philippine Army are on standby and ready to join efforts to halt the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19), a military official said Sunday.

Army spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) unit is equipped

with personal protective equipment and mobility assets ready to assist the police in performing health protocols in checkpoints within Metro Manila and other tasks.

“We, your soldiers, are committed to supporting the government’s effort to contain the virus while our leaders and healthcare professional work towards a solution,” Zagala said.

On Sunday, the month-long community quarantine imposed in Metro Manila to contain the spread of Covid-19 began, with police personnel manning strategic checkpoints set up along borders with the provinces of Laguna and Cavite (south), Rizal (east), and Bulacan (north).

Several Army troops are also deployed alongside police personnel.

During the period, Metro Manila residents and other affected communities are encouraged to stay in their homes and practice social distancing measures to help prevent the spread of the virus to other communities.

“We enjoin every citizen to do their share in these trying times by adhering to the guidelines set forth by our government for the common good,” Zagala said.

He added that the army is ready to provide additional logistics and manpower when needed.