US turns over to AFP P2M in ICU beds, PPE sets

MANILA, Philippines—The United States on Monday (Oct. 25) turned over P2 million worth of medical supplies to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), among them 30 of 600 intensive care unit beds that would cost P1.3 billion in all.

David Gamble, US Embassy acting deputy chief of mission, turned over the ICU beds and 10 sets of personal protective equipment to AFP chief Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. at a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, the AFP said.

The donations by the country’s longtime ally would boost the Philippine military’s COVID-19 response. Senior Philippine military officers and other American officials were present at the event.

“The AFP is grateful to the United States government for the donations which will surely enhance our capacity to afford our military personnel and their dependents the best health care services that we can provide,” Faustino said.

Gamble said the 30 beds were part of the overall 600 units worth P1.3 billion that the US will be donating.

Also on Monday at the same venue, the AFP received medical supplies and food from one of the Philippines’ oldest Chinese business groups.

The Philippine Fujian General Business Association donated 6,000 packs of KF94 face masks, 1,000 pieces of face shields, 10 units of air purifier, 20 cases of distilled bottled water and 1,200 packs of bihon noodles.

“The donated items will certainly be of benefit to our troops who work tirelessly on the frontlines and are constantly exposed to a myriad of health hazards,” Faustino said.

The AFP recorded 41 deaths and 649 active COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of cases to 20,672.

The AFP is playing a frontline role in the Philippine government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Soldiers were deployed to help enforce quarantine restrictions and military medical health workers are being tapped to help in hospitals.

TSB