Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)
MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday lauded military personnel for their front-line services as they continue to help in containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) threat.
“With the seemingly insurmountable challenge in front of us, I thank you for the service you have rendered and continue to render to our communities during this difficult time," Lorenzana said in a press statement Wednesday.
He also urged the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure public health and the safety of the Filipinos, by providing medical and health teams, as well as the local government units, with all the assistance the defense and security sector can give.
"Members of the AFP continue to respond to the public health emergency in various operational and logistical capacities to support the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), while also enforcing the lockdown measures of the government together with the Philippine National Police," said Lorenzana, also chair of the National Action Plan on Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana welcomed the mass surrender of 40 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) fighters to government operatives last March 28, bringing with them various firearms, ammunition, other war materiel and enemy documents.
CTG is another military term for the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
He also condemned the CTG’s failure to honor the declaration of the ceasefire, attacking troops from the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Rodriguez, Rizal, who were in the area doing community work.
"With the AFP’s vigilance and readiness, the troops were able to repel the CTG’s attack, a futile attempt to mark the CTG’s anniversary last March 29," he added. (PNA)
