AFP confirms memo on stricter quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed yesterday the authenticity of a leaked Philippine Air Force (PAF) document instructing its personnel to prepare following President Duterte’s pronouncement that the police and the military will be tapped in a martial law-like implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon if violations continue.  

However, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo assured the public that it is no reason to panic or be alarmed as soldiers are only being told to prepare. 

Arevalo explained that the leaked document is an internal memo issued for the purpose of providing advance information for the guidance of PAF personnel. 

“The Commander-in-Chief President Duterte has mentioned in his televised address to the nation about the possibility of deployment, that is, if the observed deterioration in discipline and order will continue and the people will not heed the pleas of government,” Arevalo said. “As of now, there is no order to deploy. But it is incumbent and customary on the part of the leadership of the PAF, 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 emphasized that the context is that President Duterte told the police and the military to prepare for a possible deployment in case people will continue to defy protocols and disobey the rules.

Arevalo stressed that the AFP believes there is nothing to be alarmed about because it is just a natural reaction for the military to prepare and deploy when it becomes necessary.  

“What we should all be alarmed about instead is the fact that a lot of people are blatantly violating the law and disobeying the rules and health protocols which MUST be strictly enforced — otherwise people die. Law abiding citizens and those who follow the rules should not worry. There is no reason to be alarmed,” Arevalo said.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa yesterday ordered a nationwide crackdown on motorists violating the enhanced community quarantine guidelines following reports of persons driving their vehicles even if they are not authorized to leave their homes.

Gamboa also ordered police commanders to come up with measures to make sure that home quarantine and social distancing are strictly observed in Luzon and other areas where the enhanced community quarantine is imposed.

In a statement, PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the “expansion of the operations against private vehicles which may have unauthorized persons outside residence is part of the chief PNP’s order to further intensify measures against these hardheaded people.”

Unlike before where motorists were just ordered to return to their homes, Eleazar said offending drivers might find their licenses confiscated by police officers at quarantine control points. He warned motorists to heed their call as it might take a long time for them to get their driver’s licenses back as most government offices are closed during the quarantine.  – With Emmanuel Tupas