Army CG: Public more aware of ECQ guidelines

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay stated that the public is now more aware of the enhanced community quarantine guidelines, leading to more effective border checkpoint implementation.

Gapay acknowledged initial confusion during the early days of the general quarantine regarding the dissemination of guidelines.

He noted that the public is now aware of the requirements at checkpoints and that employers and exempted industries understand the necessary certifications.

The enhanced community quarantine, which began on March 17 and will last until April 13, mandates strict home quarantine, suspension of transportation, regulation of food and health services, and increased presence of uniformed personnel.

Exemptions to the quarantine include health workers, authorized government officials, individuals with medical or humanitarian needs, those transiting to airports, and essential service providers.

The Army has deployed 18 military trucks to transport exempted individuals, particularly stranded health workers, addressing mobility issues previously encountered.

Gapay mentioned that lessons learned from the initial implementation are being incorporated to improve the process as the quarantine continues.