AFP adopts ‘no touch’ policy for returning Pinoy peacekeepers

MANILA, Philippines - Returning Filipino peacekeepers from Ebola-hit Liberia will be allowed to see their loved ones but would be kept at least 15 meters apart while they are being quarantined for 21 days in Caballo Island.

To compensate for this “no touch” policy, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang said expanded cellular and WiFi coverage has been set up in the island.

Catapang said Smart communications has set up a free WiFi facility to bridge the “so near yet so far” distance between the Filipino peacekeepers and their families.

Ramon Isberto, public affairs group head of Smart, said they have installed a 2G repeater to provide voice and text services around the island. Smart also set up a full-fledged cell site in the island.

“We are responding to the government’s request for communications support. It’s important that our peacekeepers are able to keep in touch with their families and loved ones throughout their 21-day quarantine. This will help boost their morale during this period. This is the least that we can do to show our appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice,” Napoleon Nazareno, president and chief executive officer of Smart, said.

Catapang appealed for patience from the peacekeepers’ kin, saying he is doing everything to make their stay in Caballo Island, which he describes as an island paradise, a pleasant and memorable one.

“We are working closely with the Department of Health’s Bureau of Quarantine, Health Emergency Bureau, and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine during their stay in the island,” he added.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, said the 21-day quarantine is in compliance with the government’s campaign to keep the country Ebola-free.

He said the returning troops, who would arrive on a chartered flight at Philippine Air Force headquarters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City tomorrow, would be whisked off to a Philippine Navy vessel that would bring them to Caballo.

Only 108 of the 112 Filipino peacekeepers will be on the chartered flight as four will remain at the United Nations headquarters in Monrovia to make arrangements for the transport of their equipment.

The 108 Filipino peacekeepers, a 24-man police contingent and a jail officer, earlier passed the Ebola screening test conducted by the UN.

Catapang said a hero’s welcome awaits the Philippine contingent after the quarantine.