AFP chief Gapay commends commanders for drop in number of COVID-19 cases

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Gilbert Gapay on Saturday commended commanders for the drop in the number of COVID-19 cases among military troops.

From a high of 1,327 admitted cases in early September, the number was down to 307 on Friday, Gapay said in a statement.

"Our Commanders and Chiefs of Offices have done a great job in enforcing social distancing measures and strict health protocols inside camps, in turn keeping our military and civilian personnel able to perform their respective duties," the AFP chief said.

The AFP said 256 military personnel with COVID-19 are currently admitted in treatment facilities nationwide.

Nineteen civilian personnel and 32 dependents are also currently getting treatment for COVID-19.

“The AFP is enhancing our safety and health protocols and other measures to protect the best interest and wellbeing of our soldiers, particularly those in the frontlines. Our troops’ health will always be of utmost importance as we continue to preserve the AFP’s fighting strength to help the country win over this battle,” Gapay said.

The AFP chief also acknowledged the hard work of the military in support of the government's COVID-19 response.

More than  13,800 military personnel, reservists and auxiliary personnel were deployed nationwide to man quarantine assistance stations, quarantine areas, ports and testing facilities.

Over 1.7 million kilos of cargo were also transported by 15 Philippine Navy vessels and seven Philippine Air Force aircraft. —KG, GMA News