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It is a matter of principle for the NPA to respect all humanitarian undertakings that benefit the masses. Thus, the NPA will ensure that transportation of Covid-19 vaccines will be provided a humanitarian corridor for safe and unimpeded passage in guerrilla base and zones.

We strongly suggest that the transportation, distribution and inoculation drive of Covid-19 vaccines especially in the interior areas be handled by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Philippine Red Cross and other civilian humanitarian agencies whose personnel are properly trained and who have the facilities to undertake such missions.

Non-Red cross vehicles that will be used as Covid-19 vaccine transporters must be clearly and properly marked with a red cross over white background.

We strongly suggest that Covid-19 vaccines not be transported in AFP military vehicles, especially those which are not properly marked and carrying armed soldiers. Over the past year, the AFP has been carrying out combat and psywar operations behind the veil of implementing Covid-19 restrictions.

Using AFP to transport and to handle vaccines will not encourage people to be vaccinated especially in many areas in the countryside where people are traumatized by military garrisoning of their communities and helicopter gunships firing missiles.

Even now, the peasant masses are worried that the AFP might use the vaccination drive for counterinsurgency and demand: “surrender” before vaccine.