MILITARY troops ferried more basic needs and medical supplies for 121 Filipinos quarantined in Sibakel Island, Lantawan, Basilan province.
Those quarantined in Sibakel Island are Filipino repatriates from Malaysia and crew of the two wooden-hulled vessels that were denied entry upon arrival since the community quarantine was already in place brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat.
Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said that Army and Navy troops on Friday, March 27, delivered 100 folding beds, 100 boxes of medicine, 100 face masks, and other supplies intended to returning Filipinos undergoing mandatory quarantine for Covid-19 in Sibakel Island.
Sobejana said the 100 folding beds and 15 boxes of medical supplies were turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-Barmm).
Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem), said they have deployed, through the Naval Task Force 61, BRP-Leovigildo Gantioqui (PC384) and BRP-Subanon (LC291) to assist in the relief operations to improve the habitability in Sibakel Island.
Sibakel Island is an isolated area with no existing infrastructure nor water source, but can accommodate 200 people.
Meanwhile, the San Miguel Corporation, has donated 150 cases of non-alcoholic drinks to the Westmincom troops as a gesture of support and gratitude to the men in uniform, who secure and support all measures against Covid-19.
“We are elated to be part of the solution and succor all decisions and measures taken by key agencies to contain the spread of Covid-19 in Mindanao,” Sobejana said.
“We ensure cooperation and mutual assistance to effect resolutions in this trying time,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)