Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 14) — The Philippine National Police bared Tuesday that there are now 50 police officers who have tested positive for COVID-19, up from 29 recorded the previous day.
PNP deputy chief for operations PLtGen Guillermo Eleazar made the confirmation during the Laging Handa virtual news conference with other government officials.
“Actually, dun po sa ating bagong categorization, merong 50 na confirmed na mga pulis at 254 na probable, 348 na suspect, for a total of 652,” Eleazar said.
[Translation: Actually, under the new categorization of COVID-19 cases, there are now 50 policemen with confirmed cases, 254 probable, and 348 suspect, for a total of 652.]
This is a big surge in cases in the PNP overnight. In its Facebook post on Monday evening, it recorded only 41 probable and 429 suspected cases within the organization.
Eleazar did not indicate whether there was an increase from Monday’s report of three deaths and eight recoveries among their personnel.
“Naglaan na po ng mga pasilidad para sa mga affected na pulis natin (We have already allotted facilities for our affected policemen),” said Eleazar.
PNP Chief Police LtGen Archie Gamboa previously said that their Health Service unit is closely monitoring the conditions of their COVID-19 patients within the organization.
Last week, the Department of Health announced it has modified the classification of COVID-19 cases, with those who tested positive to be called “confirmed” cases.
Those with symptoms but remain untested will be called “suspect” cases, while those still awaiting test results will be deemed “probable.”
The Philippines has recorded 4,932 COVID-19 cases with 315 deaths and 242 recoveries as of Monday.
