Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 7) — The Philippine National Police received on Tuesday the modified face masks donated by sports retailer Toby’s Sports for their COVID-19 response.
Jojo Claudio, president of Quorum International Inc. which is the mother company of Toby’s Sports, said they already gave 40 modified face masks and 40 modified sauna suits to the PNP.
The snorkel masks donated by Toby’s Sports, previously sold in their stores, were modified into a respiratory gear for patients infected with COVID-19.
PNP spokesperson BGen. Bernard Banac confirmed the PNP Aviation Security Group received the modified snorkel masks and sauna suits. Its members are currently serving the quarantine checkpoints at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.
Banac added the PNP appreciates the gesture of private organizations like Toby’s Sports in keeping the safety of the police force amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The disease has affected 3,764 lives and claimed 177 lives in the country to date. But 84 people have recovered from COVID-19.
Some 22 policemen in the country tested positive for COVID-19, along with two deaths and two recoveries.
RELATED: PNP confirms three more policemen infected with COVID-19, bringing total to 22
“The donated masks are very effective and great help for our policemen in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Banac.
Claudio appealed for understanding as it is taking some time to complete the modified masks, given the shortage of supplies such as medical-grade hose and connectors.
But Claudio assured that another batch of 50 modified face masks will be distributed for medical frontliners and patients.
CNN Philippines’ Crissy Dimatulac and David Tristan Yumol contributed to this report.
