CPP allows vaccine transport but warns against military vehicles

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has pledged to allow the safe and unimpeded transport of COVID-19 vaccines through its areas of influence, but advised against using military vehicles.

The CPP suggested that the International Committee of the Red Cross and Philippine Red Cross handle distribution due to their medical training and demanded that vaccine transport vehicles be clearly marked with a red cross.

The CPP warned that security forces might use vaccine transportation for combat and psywar operations, and that some individuals in remote areas might be required to surrender before inoculation.

President Rodrigo Duterte had previously appealed to the CPP to ensure the safe passage of vaccines.

DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya stated that the CPP-NPA may still attack vaccine convoys and questioned the sincerity of the CPP's conditional assurance, suggesting they prioritize the country's well-being over their ideological interests.

Malaya also pointed out that in other countries, like the US, military and national guard units have been mobilized to assist in vaccine delivery programs.