CPP assures 'safe, unimpeded' transport of COVID-19 vaccines
MANILA, Philippines — The Communist Party of the Philippines said Tuesday it will open a “humanitarian corridor” for the safe and unimpeded transport of COVID-19 vaccines but suggested that humanitarian agencies handle the delivery and rollout in rural interior areas.
This came after President Rodrigo Duterte asked communist rebels to allow the free and safe delivery of coronavirus jabs as the country anticipates the arrival of doses within the month.
“It is a matter of principle for the [New People’s Army] to respect all humanitarian undertakings that benefit the masses. Thus, the NPA will ensure that transportation of COVID-19 vaccines will be provided a humanitarian corridor for safe and unimpeded passage in guerrilla base areas and zones,” the CPP said.
A humanitarian corridor refers to a type of demilitarized zone intended to allow the safe transit of humanitarian aid in and out of a crisis region.
The NPA will open humanitarian corridor for the safe and unimpeded transport of Covid-19 vaccines. pic.twitter.com/UMhqulBBIO
— Marco L. Valbuena (@marco_cpp) February 9, 2021
In a televised speech Monday, Duterte said communist insurgents must not hinder the delivery and rollout of COVID-19 shots.
“The Communist Party of the Philippines must guarantee that the vaccines, in the course of their being transported to areas with no city health officers or medical persons, would be left untouched,” he said.
Peace talks with communist rebels broke down during Duterte’s term, with the chief executive declaring late last year that such efforts will no longer take place until he steps down in 2022.
‘Red Cross should handle vaccine transport, rollout’
The CPP “strongly” suggested that the transport and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, and the inoculation drive, especially in the interior areas, be handled by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Philippine Red Cross and other civil humanitarian agencies.
“Non-Red Cross vehicles that will be used as COVID-19 transporters must be clearly and properly marked with a red cross over white background,” the CPP said.
It also recommended that COVID-19 vaccines not be transported in military vehicles, especially those which are not properly marked and carrying armed soldiers.
“Over the past year, the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] has been carrying out combat and psywar operations behind the veil of implementing COVID-19 restrictions,” CPP said.
It added that using AFP to transport vaccines “will not encourage people” to be inoculated, especially in those in the countryside.
In the same speech, Duterte said he wants police to serve as “escorts” for the vaccines as they are being transported from storage facilities to local governments, saying this is the “fastest” way.
He also wants police stations and military camps to be used as vaccination sites in far-flung areas.
The government is expecting the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines by mid-February through the COVAX facility, an initiative led by the World Health Organization to ensure fair and equitable access to the jabs.
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