If requested by Government to assist, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is ready and will not entertain lame excuses from the public.

Similar to scenarios happening in countries around the world, armies have stepped in to assist Governments to get the public in line.

RFMF Land Force Commander (LFC) Colonel Manoa Gadai said they would not condone any “ifs, buts or compromise any irresponsible behaviour”.

He said if the curfew violations and social gatherings did not stop and continued to rise, then the RFMF would not hesitate to come in and assist Police to stop the unnecessary spread of coronavirus and to protect the people.

Under the 2013 Constitution, the RFMF is mandated to be the guardian of Fiji and to ensure at all times the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.

“Our Constitutional role is very clear and we will just do that. So I just beg everyone to please just do the honourable thing by strictly following the Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, the Minister of Health Ifereimi Waqainabete and Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho’s directives to stay at home,” Colonel Gadai said.

Colonel Gadai said preparation continued in camp for any Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)/COVID-19 worse case scenarios.

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