Two Philippine Navy warships are now docked in India to pick up the initial batch of one million face masks that will be used in the Philippine’s fight against the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Ma. Christina Roxas said the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD602) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) are currently at the anchorage area while waiting for the assembly of donation at the port.
“The hauling process began shortly after they docked with strict adherence to stringent measures to ensure the safety of PN personnel in charge of the hauling which include wearing of PPEs and disinfection of the boxes prior loading,” said Roxas.
It was recalled that Paul Dantes of LegalZoc Co donated one million face masks that were sourced in India. The donation was coursed through the Office of Civil Defense which arranged for the pick-up of the face masks.
Roxas said a total of 59 boxes constituting the initial 200 thousand out of one million pieces donated face masks were loaded to BRP Davao del Sur.
Aside from the donated face masks, Roxas said BRP Davao del Sur was also tasked to ferry home around 20 Filipino tourists who were stranded in India with the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.
“All of them have medical certificates clearing them from coronavirus infection but will still be put in isolation inside the vessel with 24-hour supervision by an onboard medical team,” said Roxas.
The official said the two vessels will immediately depart for the Philippines upon the completion of their mission in India and are expected to arrive within this month.
“This mission does not only manifest the PN’s resolve to support frontliners through transporting much needed personal protective equipment especially from overseas but also demonstrate its capacity to provide assistance to our fellow Filipinos wherever they are in the world,” said Roxas. (Aaron Recuenco)
