Sotto backs AFP's role in enforcing strict COVID-19 quarantine measures

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Sunday backed the involvement of Armed Forces of the Philippines in the move to strictly enforce quarantine measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

In a statement, Sotto said the AFP's involvement in the stricter implementation of quarantine does not automatically place an area under martial law.

"If the use of the AFP is necessary to keep people off the streets then so be it. It does not necessarily mean there is martial law unless it is declared," he said in a message to reporters.

"Keeping us safe is primordial," he added.

AFP spokesperson Marine Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo earlier in the day said the military is preparing its troops for stricter enforcement of quarantine against COVID-19, but noted that there is nothing to be alarmed about it.

This was after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military and the police to be ready to enforce social distancing and curfew in the country if the public would still ignore the rules of the enhanced community quarantine.

“Sa ngayon wala pa na namang utos ang Pangulo na mag-deploy na,” Arevalo said in a statement.

“But it is incumbent and customary on the part of the leadership of the Philippine Air Force, and the AFP under General Felimon Santos Jr.,  for that matter, to exercise its initiative of alerting and preparing our personnel including ROE (Rules of Engagement),” he added.

As of Sunday, there were a total of 6,259 cases of COVID-19 reported in the Philippines, with 409  deaths and 572 recoveries.

The Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine will be in effect until April 30. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News