New JTF COVID-19 Shield chief named

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield is now headed by Lt. Gen. Cesar Binag, the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s third in command.

In a message to reporters yesterday, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said he handed over the reins of the JTF COVID Shield to Binag on Nov. 17.

Eleazar assumed Binag’s previous position as commander of the Administrative Support for COVID-19 Task Force (ASCOTF).

Eleazar and Binag are the PNP’s deputy director for administration and deputy director for operations, respectively.

The JTF COVID Shield serves as the quarantine enforcement arm of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

It is composed of personnel from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Eleazar’s new post as ASCOTF commander puts him in charge of the PNP’s overall response and deployment of policemen for COVID-related operations.

The post was also held by retired Gen. Camilo Cascolan before he was appointed PNP chief.

Eleazar said he was proud to have served as JTF COVID Shield commander.

Eleazar, Binag and PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas were classmates at the Philippine Military Academy’s Class of 1987.