BY WAYLON GALVEZ
If only she’s in the country right now, national weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz would have been with fellow members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in their fight against coronavirus pandemic – no ifs, no buts.
Regardless of her status as a well-decorated athlete, the Rio Olympics silver winner is more than willing to don another uniform – unlike the usual weightlifting outfit – if only she can help restore order in the face of alarming rise in deaths and uncertainty due to global health crisis.
On Sunday, AFP personnel are on standby, waiting for the next move of President Duterte whether to impose total lockdown in some parts of the country or not.
Since Diaz is still stranded in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, she’s praying hard for the safety of fellow military personnel.
She was undergoing training in KL when travel restrictions were imposed both by the Philippine and Malaysian governments.
“Yes possible po,” said Diaz, who is an ‘enlisted’ member of the Philippine Air Force since 2013 through the military arm’s Direct Enlistment Program.
Diaz started with the Air Force Special Service Group, and every victory she accomplishes in international tournaments, she gets a promotion.
When she bagged the silver medal in the 2016 Olympics, Diaz was promoted from Airwoman to Airwoman First Class.
She was again promoted to Airwoman Sergeant after her 2018 Asian Games victory.
Other national team members from other sports are also ‘enlisted’ officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Coast Guard.
Diaz said she is very proud of the sacrifices the frontliners are doing for the Philippines, particularly the health workers in different hospitals and facilities, and also the soldiers and police officers performing their tasks.
“I’m praying for their safety, welfare. Hindi madali yung ginagawa nila kasi napakadelikado. Pero nandiyan sila para sa ating mga kababayan, para sa bansa. Saludo ako sa bawat isa sa kanila,” said Diaz.
