Over 1,500 reservists augment Navy’s COVID-19 response

The Philippine Navy has more than 1,500 reservists tasked to help its sailors and marines respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, its top official said on Sunday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo thanked the reservists for their service.

“I also would like to mention, ang laking tulong ng aming mga Navy reservists. Right now, ang aming reservists, we have about 1,596 reservists assisting in our operations,” he said.

“Hindi kaya ng ating sailors at marines na bantayan lahat ng quarantine control points. Ang Navy reservists ang nag-augment sa atin,” he added.

According to Bacordo, the reservists are tasked in repacking and delivering relief goods, while some Navy personnel are manning quarantine control points and continuing patrols in sea territories.

Some vessels of the Navy are also used as quarantine and medical facilities for suspected and probable cases of COVID-19.

Amid its COVID-19 response efforts, Bacordo also said that the operations for security and territorial concerns in disputed territories in South China Sea continue. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News