Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 23) — The Philippine National Police confirmed on Thursday that the number of their COVID-19 infected personnel climbed to 78.
Apart from the confirmed cases, PNP also recorded 580 suspected and 96 probable cases among their personnel. A total of 12 policemen have already recovered, while three have succumbed to the disease.
Spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said their men are being exposed to more health risks as they increase their presence to implement the enhanced community quarantine.
“We will intensify monitoring of COVID-19 cases among our PNP personnel and will strictly implement PNP-wide Biosafety Plan in all PNP camps, headquarters, precincts including ECQ checkpoints,” Banac said.
According to PNP, they will continue to enforce heightened measures, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to curb the spread of the deadly virus. Aside from immediate arrest of violators, the police said it will also intensify arrests for hoarding, profiteering, manipulation of prices, spreading of fake news, and cyberfraud.
They will likewise apprehend those caught harassing or discriminating medical frontliners, the PNP said.
Through the Department of Interior and Local Government and in cooperation with the Department of Health, the policemen are also tasked to lead the COVID-19 contact tracing in the country.
“To all our countrymen, do your part as homeliners by staying at home throughout this heightened lockdown,” Banac said.
