Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. / Photo from AFP PAO
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday expressed its preparedness in case violence erupts during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon due to COVID-19.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said in an interview with DWIZ that the nation’s military, together with the Philippine National Police, already laid out measures to maintain order and avert criminal activity.
Fears, especially on social media, sprung up that looting might be possible on supermarkets due to limited access to food and money during the quarantine.
“We’re always ready for that kind of situation, we have plans laid out for that and to determine the criminal activities that may happen,” said Santos in Filipino. “We are ready for whatever situation.”
Santos, however, hoped that no instances would happen during the time of crisis in the Philippines.
He assured that the national government will support the local government units in providing the necessary supplies to the constituents during the quarantine period.
“We, soldiers, are prepared for this just like we prepare for combat. We always prepare, we always train but we don’t want war to break out.”