A ray of hope and joy flickered inside an isolation facility at Camp Crame in Quezon City after a healthy baby boy was born from a policewoman who is being treated for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Thanks to the assistance of a police doctor and a civilian employee of the Philippine National Police (PNP)—both are also positive for COVID-19 by the way— who helped the policewoman deliver her child.
Based on the report from the PNP Health Service, the patrolwoman was forced to be quarantined inside the Kiangan facility at Camp Crame to ensure the protection of other members of her family after she tested positive for the coronavirus.
The rookie female cop is assigned to the Station 9 of the Manila Police District.
On Thursday, Sept. 16, the female cop complained of severe abdominal pain and the healthcare workers then scrambled to prepare for her transfer to the nearby PNP General Hospital for her to avail of intensive medical attention.
“But she could no longer be transferred to a hospital because of the imminent childbirth,” said PNP chief General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar.
Upon seeing her in distress, a physician who is also quarantined inside came to the rescue with the help of a civilian employee also under quarantine.
“They helped her safely give birth to a son,” said Eleazar, adding that PNP doctors are currently monitoring the condition of both the baby and her mother.
Eleazar lauded the two personnel of the PNP: “I salute our two personnel for doing their best effort to ensure the safety of both the mother and the child. Despite what they are going through, they were still able to render assistance.”
The PNP Chief assured full assistance to the patrolwoman and her baby, especially in ensuring their health and safety.
Since March last year, more than 38,000 policemen have been infected by the coronavirus with a total of 113 deaths—including a pregnant policewoman in Valenzuela City in March this year and another pregnant policewoman who died after giving birth to a baby boy in South Cotabato in August also this year.
Last year, the PNP has already issued a memorandum allowing a work from home arrangement for pregnant police officers.
Some police officers, however, were infected in their respective communities and would be transferred to quarantine facilities inside police camps to ensure medical attention.