According to the PNP, PCapt. Dr. Casey Gutierrez died on May 30, nearly a week after being exposed to toxic disinfectant while on duty in a PNP-managed COVID-19 facility. He reportedly died at the Lung Center of the Philippines due to inhalation injuries.
The PNP added that two other members of the medical team, PSSG Steve Rae Salamanca and PCpl. Runie Toledo, also suffered from chemical inhalation and were brought to the PNP General Hospital.
“Gutierrez, Salamanca and Toledo were detailed at the PSA-TTMF (Philippine Sports Arena-Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility) in Pasig City,” the national police said in a statement.
“While performing routine decontamination procedure in the evening of May 24, the team accidentally sprayed concentrated decontamination solution (sodium hypochlorite) that caused irritation and difficulty in breathing,” it continued.
Meanwhile, The Philippine Star said its sources had claimed that the police doctor’s death “was the result of negligence in the implementation of health and safety protocols.”
It wrote that “Gutierrez became ill after he was sprayed with sodium hypochlorite,” a solution that shouldn’t be directly sprayed on a person. The news outlet added that the late doctor’s partner, Shella Distor, is demanding justice for his death.
PNP chief PGen. Archie Gamboa said he has already ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Gutierrez’s death.
The PNP has also sought the assistance of the Department of Health for an independent investigation into the incident.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 7) — The Philippine National Police said Sunday it is conducting a probe into the death of one of its doctors due to exposure to hazardous chemicals “while performing routine decontamination.”
The PNP Administrative Support to COVID-19 Task Force (PNP ASCOTF) also earlier noted that the two PNP-managed quarantine facilities, the PSA-TTMF and the Philippine International Convention Center, have different chemical disinfectant providers. It said that the disinfectant used by the latter is hypoallergenic and biodegradable.
Other concerned agencies involved in the administration of the PSA-TTMF will be participating in the probe, according to PNP ASCOTF commander PLtGen. Camilo Cascolan.
