AFP suspends foreign travels of military personnel

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday has decided to suspend all foreign travels of its military personnel, especially non-essential ones, following the threat brought by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement, AFP chief General Felimon Santos said the military has been taking seriously President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a state of public health emergency due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

"We have already instituted contingency measures, like body temperature checking before entering key military camps, establishment of a testing center at AFP Medical Center, and a moratorium on sending AFP personnel to foreign travels except when necessary, among other safeguards," Santos said.

"I have directed the AFP Health Services Command to institute preventive measures to ensure that military camps have the necessary and stringent safeguards from COVID-19 affectation," he added.

According to Santos, all military personnel and civilian human resource were encouraged to practice personal hygiene measures to mitigate the risks of the disease spreading in various military units.

Santos said the AFP is preparing for the possibility that its forces may be tapped to provide assistance in the government's fight against the disease.

The Department of Health announced that the number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in the Philippines has already increased from 24 to 33.

President Rodrigo Duterte has already placed the country under state of public health emergency, and suspended classes in all levels this week.

The Philippine National Police also temporarily canceled the foreign travels, including trainings, of policemen abroad. — MDM, GMA News