MANILA, Philippines — Saying the country is in a “state of war,” Malacañang on Friday defended the designation of former top military men as commanders of the government’s campaign to stamp out coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a statement, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said security officials appointed to the task have the much-needed “culture of discipline and obedience to superiors.”

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“We are in (a) state of war against an unseen enemy and we need men and women trained in the art of warfare,” said Panelo.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier named Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez as Chief Implementor of the national policy against COVID-19, and Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Secretary Eduardo Año as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively.

Incidentally, Lorenzana has just recently announced that he is on self-quarantine after coming in close contact with Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., who had tested positive for coronavirus.

According to Panelo the rationale behind the appointment of the three former military officials “simply lies on their culture of discipline, obedience to superiors, training in organization, tactical strategies in fighting the enemies of the state, and thorough preparedness in organization.”

“They are not embroiled in bureaucratic rigmaroles. They abhor useless debates, they are silent workers, not voracious talkers. They act without fanfare. They get things done,” Panelo said.

He added that the President’s move is meant to ensure the successful implementation of the enhanced community quarantine over Luzon.

The Palace official likewise noted that the government needs the manpower and equipment of the police and military to implement the measures that the government has established.

“They will pursue efficiently and swiftly the emergency measures to end the spread of the deadly virus pursuant to the special powers granted to the President by Congress,” he said.

Duterte placed the entire Luzon under a month-long lockdown on March 16, forcing about half of the country’s population to observe home quarantine. His directive comes just two days after a botched attempt to restrict the movement of people living and working in Metro Manila.

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To date, the Philippines has 707 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 45 of whom have died while 28 recovered.

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