President Rodrigo Duterte has defended his decision to place the entire Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine.
In a recorded speech in Malacañang, Duterte said that the government is doing its best to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19.
He also fired back to his critics who accuse him of imposing martial law by deploying armed personnel.
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“This is not martial law. Huwag kayong matakot. Walang magdidisplay ng baril except the Armed Forces,” Duterte said.
The President said that there is a difference between martial rule and the implementation of the quarantine.
“Ang kalaban natin kapag martial law ay ang mga taong sumasalakay at naghihimagsik. Pero sa ngayon, ang kalaban natin ay tayo at ang sakit na COVID-19,” Duterte said.
An enhanced quarantine means that the movement of everyone will be significantly limited.
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“Everyone will stay at home, leaving their houses only to buy food, medicine and other necessary survival in the coming days.
Only such establishments that provide these necessary services will remain open,” he said.
