AFP chief-of-staff. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., (File photo)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday enjoined Filipinos to keep their faith alive in observance of the Holy Week amid the country’s battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
"As we mark the start of the Holy Week, let us be reminded of God’s infinite love and mercy that He sent His only begotten son to bring us salvation. Let us draw inspiration from Christ’s suffering and passion in the cross wherein the end He triumphed over death. Let us have the faith that we will be able to hurdle this test of Filipino resilience and indomitable spirit— confident that this, too, shall pass," AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., said in a statement sent to reporters by spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo.
Santos also urged Filipinos to do their part to help each other during this period as the government works to curb the spread of Covid-19.
"I urge fellow Filipinos to do our part and help one another. We need all the support from everybody— including prayers. Let us include our health workers and our less fortunate kababayans in our daily devotions," he added.
He said the public can make a humble but immensely helpful contribution to this fight and they can do this by staying at home, promoting personal hygiene, and observing physical distancing.
"If we necessarily have to leave home, obey regulations and never forget to wear masks. This is the time when being healthy physically is a patriotic duty just as being spiritually clean is a divine obligation," he added.
Meanwhile, military doctors and nurses will be deployed at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium once it opens as a quarantine facility this week.
"On 05 April 2020, the AFP answered the call to be at the bed side of our fellow Filipinos infected with the disease. As the Ninoy Aquino Stadium opens as a quarantine and treatment facility for (coronavirus disease) Covid-19 patients and Persons Under Investigation, military doctors, nurses, and aid men will render a 24/7 duty," Santos said.
The Ninoy Aquino Stadium is located inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
"I am aware of the many and varying difficulties we are experiencing like crosses we bear on our shoulders not only in this time of Lent but also in the period of enhanced community quarantine. But in carrying faithfully our share in the load, the burden will be lighter and more bearable. This is the spirit of your AFP’s taking on this privilege to serve the nation," he added.
Santos also assured troops manning Covid-19 front lines that measures to protect their health are in place.
"To the troops, rest assured that AFP initiatives to protect our front-liners will continue. Your health will always be of utmost importance to the AFP leadership as we endeavor to preserve the fighting force to help the country win this battle," he said.
He said the AFP will remain vigilant and always ready to protect and shield Filipino communities not only from Covid-19 but also the communist terrorist group, local terrorist group and other enemies of the state.
"I enjoin every member of the AFP to heed the call to selflessly serve our country especially at this time of great need," he added. (PNA)
