Israel donates 10K Covid-19 test kits to DND

MANILA – The Israel Ministry of Defense – SIBAT has donated 10,000 Covid-19 test kits to the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines to further aid the military’s Covid-19 response.

The handover ceremony of the test kits was headed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz.

The Israel Ministry of Defense – SIBAT was represented by Defense Attaché Raz Shabtay.

Harpaz said Israel and the Philippines are friends and allies when it comes to military modernization and capability upgrade, and in these challenging times, both countries join forces to combat Covid-19.

In his message, Shabtay stressed the importance of multiple checks and early diagnosis of the Covid-19 virus carriers.

“I hope that this humble contribution will assist in those efforts while we wait for a vaccine,” Shabtay said.

In a meeting, the officials and diplomats discussed strengthening and expanding the defense cooperation between Israel and the Philippines, which includes counterterrorism, sharing of military technologies, and experience, among others.

The ceremony was held on Nov. 5 at the DND Social Hall inside Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Israel also recently donated personal protective equipment to the first responders of the DND and the Philippine National Police. (PR)