STORMTROOPERS in the box-office hit “Star Wars” saga are often associated with antagonists for defending the evil Galactic Empire. But their “colleagues” in Cebu are taking the road less traveled by helping combat the continued spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
The 501st Cebu Scarif Garrison, wearing their stormtrooper costumes, helped policemen in the northern town of Consolacion man checkpoints.
Instead of blaster rifles, they carried thermal guns to check the temperatures of motorists.
In the movie, the Scarif Garrison was a garrison of the Imperial Army that defended the Imperial security complex in the planet Scarif.
Christian Bacus, commanding officer of the 501st Cebu Scarif Garrison, said they are committed to helping policemen in these trying times.
“It was an experimental activity last Friday (April 24, 2020). If it did not turn out good, we could cancel it anytime. We did not expect the motorists’ reactions. That means we are now on duty every day,” he said in a mix of English and Cebuano.
Their original plan was to distribute free meals to frontliners at checkpoints as their tribute to the charity-driven International Star Wars Day on May 4.
Donning their 10-kilogram fiber glass stormtrooper costumes, the group started helping Consolacion policemen ease tension at checkpoints on April 24. Through this experience, they’ve learned that manning checkpoints is not an easy task.
“Arguments between the authorities and the riding public is unavoidable in checkpoints, especially if there are those lacking documents and maybe because of the hot weather. That was why we suggested to assist them while in our costumes in the hopes of lightening the mood of motorists,” Bacus said.
The 501st Cebu Scarif Garrison has 32 members composed of professionals, including architects, photographers, politicians, a nurse, a medical technologist, a businessman and a lawyer. Their activity garnered positive reactions from the riding public.
Because of this, the 501st Cebu Scarif Garrison became one of the volunteer groups deputized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to help at checkpoints.
Each stormtrooper is made to wear a mask underneath their helmets.
Since the stormtroopers’ costumes serve as their personal protective equipment, these have to be disinfected through Consolacion’s sprinkle system when their shift is done.
They render two one-hour shifts per day, depending on the day’s weather. Shifts are randomly scheduled depending on the PNP’s call.
“Some of the motorists who are also Star Wars fans do not mind waiting at all now as long as they can have a quick picture with us,” Bacus said.
Bacus added that they are willing to render their services whenever police need their help.
While no one is exempted from the threat of the pandemic, he said patience and obedience are needed to win the battle together.
The 501st Cebu Scarif Garrison is no stranger to charitable works. Two years ago, the group held a charity “death march” from SM Consolacion to SM Seaside and raised around P200,000 for a patient battling with stage 4 colon cancer.
The group also joins the annual Sinulog Grand Parade with its Star Wars-themed float.