DILG orders PNP to escort COVID-19 vaccines, inoculation teams

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has ordered the Philippine National Police to secure COVID-19 vaccines and inoculation teams to avoid possible disruption.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DILG said the police will coordinate with local government units (LGUs) to ensure that the vaccines will reach rightful recipients especially in far-flung areas.

“Ang mga bakuna na 'yan ay parang ginto lalo na ngayong kulang  pa ang supply kaya pinaghahanda natin ang PNP sa anumang insidente,” DILG officer-in-charge Undersecretary Bernardo Florece, Jr. said.

“Pagdating sa airport hanggang sa maiturok ang mga ito, kasama na ang ating kapulisan,” he added.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte asked the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to allow the free and safe transport of COVID-19 vaccines particularly in areas where they have a degree of influence.

On Tuesday, the CPP promised to allow the free and safe transport of the vaccines but urged the government not to use military vehicles to deliver it.

CPP hit for making conditions

DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya slammed the CPP for setting the condition.

“Can’t the CPP/NPA/NDF declare a cessation of hostilities for a change if only to allow the delivery of the vaccines?” Malaya said.

“In all countries of the world, the military are mobilized to assist in the vaccination program. In the US, the National Guard has been mobilized to ensure the fast delivery of their vaccines,” he said.

For Malaya, the condition of the CPP is threatening the delivery of the vaccines in conflict-affected areas.

“What happens when we utilize a military vehicle to transport the vaccine in mountainous areas, are they going to shoot our soldiers on a humanitarian mission?” he said.

Moreover, he said “6x6 military trucks are the only vehicles that can reach these areas. What happens when civilian vehicles do not have a red cross over a white background?” he added.

The Philippines is ready to start its vaccination rollout by February 15 as 117,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer under the COVAX facility are expected to arrive in the country. —LBG, GMA News