Metro Manila hospitals on red alert for Day of Protest

Code Red Alert means all hospital personnel must be in their respective posts. (PIXABAY Photo)

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) has put all public hospitals in Metro Manila on Code Red Alert on Thursday, Sept. 21, in anticipation of demonstrations during the National Day of Protest.

“All hospitals of DOH in Metro Manila are on red alert tomorrow,” Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial said in a text message to reporters on Wednesday.

Sept. 21 marks the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late President Ferdinand Marcos and various groups have announced they will stage massive rallies on that day.

Code Red Alert means all hospital personnel must be in their respective posts.

Ubial said the DOH Health Emergency Management Services (HEMS) will deploy ambulances and medical teams in major venues at the Quirino Grandstand and Plaza Miranda to provide immediate medical assistance in case of any untoward incident during the mass action.

“We will be deploying two teams each,” Ubial said.

The Office of the President has proclaimed Sept. 21 as National Day of Protest. In Memo Circular No. 26, the office suspended work in government offices and classes in public schools at all levels.

However, agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, response to disasters, and vital services have been directed to provide stand-by emergency assistance near protest sites and areas of mass actions.