MANILA, Nov. 18 (PNA) — The Palace has assured that the Department of Health (DoH) follows and abides by the health protocols prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO), in its effort to keep the country free from the deadly Ebola virus disease.
“These health protocols are being observed in the on-going quarantine process for repatriated Filipino peacekeepers who served in Liberia,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said during Tuesday’s press briefing in Malacañang.
“In accordance with the President’s guidance, the DoH is tasked with ensuring that all concerned strictly follow the established health protocols,” Coloma said.
He further said that as these protocols are being complied with, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues to provide communication and recreational facilities to make the peacekeepers’ stay in Caballo Island pleasant and comfortable.
AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin have come under fire for not wearing protective equipment while visiting the 133 Filipino peacekeepers from Liberia last Sunday.
According to reports, Catapang defended the visit, saying he joined Garin to show the country that “there is nothing to worry about Ebola.”
They reportedly did not shake hands with the peacekeepers, who are undergoing a 21-day quarantine in Caballo Island.
Coloma said that according to Garin, the DOH is at all times following health protocols set by the WHO.
“Tinanong ko si Acting Secretary Janette Garin at ang kanya ngang paliwanag ay sa lahat naman ng pagkakataon, tumatalima ang Department of Health sa mga health protocols at ipinapatupad naman ito ng naaayon sa mga guidelines ng World Health Organization. And they continue to act responsibly in the light of the overriding objective to ensure that the Philippines remains Ebola-free,” he explained.
Coloma also took the opportunity to thank the family of the peacekeepers for their cooperation.
The Filipino peacekeepers, consisting of 108 soldiers, 24 police officers, and a jail officer, served under the United Nations Mission in Liberia.
More than 5,000 people have died from the Ebola outbreak, mostly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. (PNA)