Thread by @cnnphilippines

Join @iampinkywebb on #TheSource for an in-depth conversation with Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana | LIVE bit.ly/3u1Ejlx

• Metro Manila, nearby provinces return to ECQ
• Cases at record-high levels as ECQ begins
• Update on Chinese vessels near Julian Felipe Reef

National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chairman and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana: For me, the week-long ECQ is an observation period of the trend of COVID-19 cases

Lorenzana says he agrees that government could have done the ECQ earlier.

He adds options are open on ECQ extension if needed

Lorenzana on financial assistance for Filipinos affected by the week-long ECQ: Paguusapan pa namin 'yan. Yung mga nakakuha nung unang ECQ, sila din ang makakakuha

Lorenzana on senators' call to abolish the COVID-19 Inter-agency Task Force: IATF is composed of all Cabinet officials of the gov't... Kaunti lang kaming military. The medical advice comes from DOH and OCTA Research team

Lorenzana agrees that the vaccination program has been slow, adds the vaccination rollout is dependent on supply of vaccines

Lorenzana: 226 Chinese vessels were on Julian Felipe Reef on March 7

RELATED: The country's envoy to China expects the nearly 200 Chinese vessels to leave Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea, citing Beijing’s assurance their stay is temporary bit.ly/3vZlrpj

Lorenzana says they monitored no change in number of Chinese ships in Julian Felipe Reef on March 28

Lorenzana on several Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef: They are just moored there. Wala naman silang ginagawang iba but we are watching kung anong gagawin nila sa susunod na mga araw

Lorenzana says placing PH Navy ships might 'militarize' the area: We have to avoid provocation or militarizing the area

He adds they will station a coast guard ship