By Aaron Recuenco The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership on Friday explained that policemen in the frontlines of the battle against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are only given P235 per day as hazard pay as it is all it can afford based on available funds. Brig. Gen. Marni Marcos, head of the Directorate for Comptrollership, issued the clarification after some policemen complained about the disparity in hazard pay given to other government personnel. While other government frontliners are given 500 per day in hazard pay, policemen only received P235 based on a memorandum issued by the Directorate for Comptrollership. “This is based on the available funds of the PNP for since government agencies are directed to source out a hazard pay from its own available funds from the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations," said Marcos in a statement released by the PNP. Marcos also shot down allegations of corruption on the issue of hazard pay, saying those who are exploiting the issue might have misinterpreted the memorandum. “They have to read properly the issuances regarding the grant of COVID-19 hazard pay so that they will be enlightened in the midst of misinformation," said Marcos. Additional funds Marcos said they are aware of the disparity in the hazard pay and this is the reason they have been coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). He disclosed that the PNP is asking for additional fund to complete the P500/day hazard pay for police frontliners. “Upon instructions of Chief PNP General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the Philippine National Police is now fast-tracking the smooth release of funds allocated for the hazard pay of police personnel who are rendering their duties as frontliners of the enhance community quarantine," said Marcos. "The PNP also made efforts in coordinating with the Accredited Private Lending Institutions with regard to the suspension of loan deductions in order to augment the financial capabilities of our personnel hence increasing their Net Take Home Pay which in turn shall benefit their respective families especially during this crisis brought about by the pandemic," he added. Warning PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac urged the public to refrain from posting and sharing unverified information showing a hazard pay computation of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. He said AFP and the BJMP are yet to release their final computation of hazard pay. “We will go against those making fake news and unverified information as it would tend to sow confusion among the public,” said Banac. Banac said they have not regularly informed police frontliners about their hazard pay. He accused some “quarters” which he said are employing agents of disinformation of in an attempt to create intrigues in the organization to undermine national response against COVID-19 “What we want to appeal is to be well-informed to avoid further speculations and false accusations which are rampant nowadays especially on social media,” said Banac.