Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 21) — The law enforcers who are manning checkpoints at the borders of Metro Manila during the Luzon-wide ‘enhanced community quarantine’ have already been provided with ‘enough’ protective gear and proper equipment, National Capital Region Police Office Chief Debold Sinas assured Saturday.
“May enough PPEs [personal protective equipment] na po. Kumpleto na po yung [face] mask, yung (the) helmet. Nag-improve narin ang PPEs namin,” Sinas told reporters in a briefing.
[Translation: We have enough PPEs (personal protective equipment), complete with face masks and helmets. We have improved our PPE.]
The move came after they drew the ire of the public for letting officers screen travelers who may be carriers of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 at police stops. Those at the frontlines battling this viral illness are urged to use personal protective equipment, as they have a high risk of getting infected.
Health experts have said COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets from the nose or mouth of those who have the infection.
Authorities were also criticized for not having enough thermal scanners to screen people moving in and out of Metro Manila.
But Sinas said this matter has already been dealt with.
Sinas added tents have also been set up for police officers to stay in when they are not doing security checks.
The official also assured that they are giving police officers enough food, which comes from the NCRPO and its donors.
President Rodrigo Duterte early this week ordered travel restrictions in Luzon, which aim to compel people to stay in their homes to stop the spread of COVID-19.
