The Department of Health-Zamboanga (DOH-9) on Sunday dispatched 11 healthcare workers to the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus to help in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Dr. Joshua Brillantes, DOH regional director, said in a statement on Monday that seven nurses, two midwives, and two medical technologists responded to the call for volunteers.

DOH-9 posted the appeal on social media page after the central office requested volunteers for NCR Plus, which includes Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

After two weeks under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), NCR Plus was downgraded to modified ECQ from April 12 to 30.

“The volunteers are from different municipalities in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay and one from this city,” Brillantes said.

The volunteers were sent off by the DOH’s Human Resource for Health under emergency hire.

“We are also afraid to send our own people, but we are all Filipinos and we should help everyone in whatever way we can. Your volunteerism, courage, and bravery are commendable. We salute you,” Brillantes told the 11 volunteers during the send-off ceremony at Zamboanga International Airport.

He advised them to strictly adhere to infection control policies and protect themselves while helping in the fight against the virus.

The Zamboanga Peninsula still has 478 active Covid-19 cases as of April 9.

Of its total 7,344 confirmed infections, 6,564 have recovered and 297 died. (PNA)