Solon: Mobilize reservists, merchant marines, security guards in fight vs COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker on Wednesday recommended the mobilization of some of the reservists of the “uniformed armed services” to help in the country’s measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Iloilo 5th District Rep. Raul Tupas, who chairs the House committee on national defense and security, said the selected activated reservists can help local government units (LGUs) in logistics, checkpoints, area containment, and public affairs.

“I recommend to the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases], DND [Department of National Defense], and DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] the mobilization of some of the reservists of the uniformed armed services, particularly those who have already graduated from college and have been working,” Tupas said in a statement.

Tupas added that graduates of merchant marine courses as well as licensed and employed security guards can also be mobilized as additional activated reservists.

“The DOH [Department of Health] and IATF need all the help they can get. These reservists are among the specially-trained people who can be gathered and deployed to perform important roles to protect our citizens,” the lawmaker said.

Likewise, Tupas renewed his call for the passage of House Bill 6077 or the proposed Reservist Employment Rights Act which “prevents and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of rendering military service to the State.”

The bill is now awaiting plenary deliberations after the House Committee on National Defense and Security approved it in March.

As of April 7, there are 3,764 COVID-19 cases in the country, with the death toll reaching 177.

Edited by JPV