ILIGAN CITY, Apr. 2 (PIA) – The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade (2nd Mech) of the Philippine Army distributed handmade face masks and face shields to frontliners manning the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) checkpoints in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte’s national highway.
From Iligan to the towns of Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Kapatagan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, the brigade handed-over improvised basic personal protective equipment (PPE) to show support and concern to frontliners composed of health volunteers, police, members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard, and other Civil Security Units who are clearly exposed to the highly infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Thinking of the urgency and need to protect the uniformed personnel, Brigadier General Facundo Palafox IV of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade said the armored brigade organized a team of male and female soldiers who work overtime to make these improvised basic protective health equipment.
“Initially, we produced more than 600 face shields and more than a thousand triple-layered facemasks,” Palafox said.
With a phrase shown in front ‘stay home, save lives’, the face shields also set as a reminder to checkpoint passers that the most efficient way to prevent the coronavirus from spreading is to stay within the safety of their homes.
Meanwhile, Palafox urged his fellow soldiers of the Armored Division to stay safe while serving the public.
“Who will secure our general public against the infected when we are all sick? No one. So, we must stay safe, fit and healthy while protecting ourselves from this invisible enemy,” added Palafox.
Moreover, the Armed Forces of the Philippines recently issued a directive to its members to wear facemasks at all times whether inside or outside military camps. (CLV/PIA ICIC)
