Duterte: We can win this war

MANILA, Philippines, March 26 ------ Filipino resiliency in times of crisis will help the nation pull through in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), President Duterte said on Tuesday night, after he assured Filipinos that the government is on top of the situation. “Nothing is more formidable and resilient than the Filipino spirit. Matindi ang kalaban (The enemy is formidable). But we will not surrender. Hindi tayo susuko. Tayo ay lalaban (We will fight),” Duterte said. He appealed for “more understanding and utmost cooperation” from the public, expressing belief that “we will emerge triumphant” in the war against COVID-19.

“Yes, things will not be easy. [But] we Filipinos are tough. Mas malakas ang Pilipino sa anumang hamon. Now, we all must do what we can and must. Para sa ating bayan,” he said, noting that Filipinos are not one to back out of a fight, especially if it’s for country. “I look forward to the day that we Filipinos can finally claim victory [in] this war and emerge as a stronger and more united Filipinos and Philippines,” Duterte said.

Duterte’s long-awaited assurance to the public came amid a cloud of uncertainty after several private hospitals in Metro Manila announced that they are no longer accepting patients infected with COVID-19 since they have reached full capacity. At least five doctors have died, while scores of health professionals were either sick or quarantined due to the disease. 

In a slum area in Quezon City, a 56-year-old man was found dead after he experienced symptoms of the disease earlier in the day. He was not tested for COVID-19, but he left a letter to his bereaved family asking his wife to be brought to a hospital for treatment for having symptoms.

Duterte delivered his television address last Tuesday evening after facilitating a video conference from Malacañang with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) who were at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. “To the Filipino people, rest assured that your entire government is working hand-in-hand to safeguard your health, safety and well-being in the face of the threat posed by COVID-19,” the President said. “We will address all the different issues brought about by this pandemic as well as ensure the protection of all of our people, especially those who are serving in the frontlines,” the President said.

Duterte assured the public that the government is ready to provide food, water and other essentials throughout this ordeal. “Financial assistance will also be extended especially to those in the margins and the vulnerable groups. Halos lahat ho makatanggap,” he added, emphasizing no one would be left out.

Source: philstar.com