Duterte Salutes Covid-19 Frontliners

President Duterte thanked the “courageous” frontliners in the war against the coronavirus outbreak, particularly saluting the fallen doctors as “heroes.”

- Genalyn D. Kabiling, Franco G. Regala, And Mario B. Casayuran

In a taped public address aired on government television late Tuesday night, the President expressed his gratitude to the health workers, soldiers, policemen, government personnel, donors, volunteers, and other people working in the front lines amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Let me reiterate my sincerest gratitude to all our courageous frontliners in this war, especially our health workers, our doctors, nurses other allied medical professional. Maraming, maraming salamat. Asahan ninyo ang supporta ng inyong gobyerno (Thank you very much. Rest assured the government will support you),” Duterte said.

The President also expressed sadness over the death of some doctors from the coronavirus infection, saying he commends them for their service in line of duty.

“I am saddened by the news that the virus has claimed the lives of our doctors along the way. Lahat po sila ay bayani and not only that, talagang bumilib ako (They are all heroes and not only that, I am really impressed),” he said.

“Bihira akong sumasaludo ng tao pero ‘pag mga doktor natin, mga health workers na nadisgrasya, talagang saludo ako sa inyo. Wala na kayo dito sa mundong ito pero ganun na lang ang pagtingin ko sa inyo (I seldom salute a person but to our fallen doctors, health workers, I salute all of you. You may be gone but I look up to you),” he added.

In the same address, the President is grateful for the “brave” soldiers and policemen for ensuring peace and order in these trying times. He likewise recognized the officials and staff of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases “for staying on top of this situation.”