Philippine News Agency
AFP to deploy sufficient troops to secure cash aid ops: Lorenzana
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in distributing cash aid to communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Duterte tasked DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista to seek military help due to reported harassment of communist insurgents during aid distribution.
Lorenzana expressed confidence in the AFP's capability to provide sufficient force to defend convoys and distribution centers.
The distribution of aid is expected to take one to two days and is particularly needed in remote areas.
AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos has instructed field commanders to adjust troop deployments to comply with the President's orders.
The new directive comes after two Army escorts providing security to social workers were killed in Maria Aurora, Aurora province last month.
Suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels allegedly fired upon soldiers providing security during a DSWD cash aid distribution, resulting in the death of two soldiers.
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