By Leilani S. Junio
MANILA, Nov. 11 (PNA) — The Department of Health (DOH) appealed to the people on Tuesday not to stigmatize the returning members of the 18th Filipino contingent from Liberia as they have all passed the Ebola virus screening test conducted by the United Nations doctors, a mandatory requirement for peacekeepers due for repatriation to their country.
“Let us remember that as they are allowed to arrive here tomorrow (Wednesday), they are considered fit and showing no symptoms (of the Ebola virus disease),” DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee-Suy said in a press-briefing held at the DOH Media Relations Unit in Tayuman, Manila.
Dr. Lee Suy explained that the people should not stigmatize the returning peacekeepers because they belong to the no-risk category of the EVD infection.
He said that the order for their 21-day compulsory quarantine at Caballo Island near Corregidor is just a method use to prevent any panic among the community.
“The decision is in line with the aim to monitor them and their health condition so that after they complete the 21-day quarantine period and no symptoms are seen, they can go back to their respective families,” he added.
He said that the presence of military doctors and other health personnel at the Caballo Island facility is intended to monitor easily the temperature, health condition and safety of the soldiers during their stay there.
“In an island, anything can happen like accidents, that is why there is a need for stand-by health personnel to give immediate treatment,” he added.
The 108-member 18th Philippine contingent will arrive Wednesday evening at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City via UTair Aviation from Monrovia.
They will be joined by 24 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and a staff member of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) who also served in the same mission.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said the AFP would make sure the peacekeepers would not be bored during their quarantine period. (p>He said that after the quarantine period, the AFP will schedule a heroes’ welcome in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments while serving on the UN mission. (PNA)