The Department of National Defense (DND) has received at least 200 units of biohazard suits and other protective gears from a private firm which could be used to fight the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019 nCoV ARD).
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana personally accepted the donation of the LT Group, Inc., a publicly listed holding company of Chinese-Filipino business tycoon Lucio Tan, and its affiliate company, Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. and Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC, Inc.) in a turnover rites held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday.
The donations include EN14126:2003+AC:2004 certified biohazard suits, EN ISO 20344:2011 certified footwear and goggles.
Lorenzana said that the protective gears will be turned over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the use of emergency responders and medical teams, including those tasked to help quarantine individuals suspected to be infected with the deadly respiratory disease, and handle hazardous and contaminating materials.
“The donation shall enhance the Department’s efforts to continuously strengthen the readiness of the AFP as first responders during disasters and crisis situations,” said Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong.
The DND, as part of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) with Lorenzana as Chairman, provides first responders and logistical support to the government’s disaster and emergency response operations.
This includes the national government’s efforts to contain the 2019 nCoV ARD which has been affecting not only the Philippines but also other countries.
As of Friday, at least 215 persons under investigation were being monitored by the Department of Health for possible nCoV ARD infection. (Martin A. Sadongdong)