CHIEF 'SANTA CLAUS'. Armed Forces chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (left), hands over a Christmas gift to a troop confined at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City on Wednesday (Dec. 8, 2021). Centino thanked the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources working at VLMC and other military treatment facilities nationwide for taking care of wounded soldiers and ensuring the health and safety of AFP personnel amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of AFP)
MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, distributed Christmas gifts to at least 200 soldiers confined at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City during his visit on Wednesday.
"Your sacrifices have brought us much closer to our objective of ending all armed threats next year. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all of you who put your lives on the line and fought valiantly for the accomplishment of our mission,” he said.
Centino was received by AFP Health Service commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Edgar M. Cardinoza.
“I wish for your speedy and full recovery so that you may return to your families in time for Christmas,” the AFP chief added, committing the Command’s all-out support to the military’s treatment facilities.
He also thanked the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources working at VLMC and other military treatment facilities nationwide for taking care of wounded soldiers and ensuring the health and safety of AFP personnel amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
"Thank you for tirelessly taking care of us and for ensuring that our brave soldiers recover from their wounds and return to their stations and their families as soon as possible,” Centino said.
He also congratulated the AFP Health Service and health workers for their efforts in keeping Covid-19 cases among the military low.
The consistent enforcement of minimum health standards in military camps resulted in the low number of Covid-19 cases in the AFP, with only 60 active cases reported as of Wednesday, including dependents.
A total of 98 percent of AFP personnel have also received the Covid-19 vaccine, while 85 percent have received at least two doses.
“I have always said in my field visits that the AFP has enough resources to accomplish our mission. This is true also for ensuring the health and wellness of our personnel. Let us continue to use our resources wisely and judiciously in keeping our force at its peak and best form,” Centino said. (PNA)
