PNP ready to help DOH with anti-nCoV measures
Published Jan 31, 2020 12:00 am
By Joseph Almer Pedrajas
The Philippine National Police (PNP) gave the assurance that it is ready to help the Department of Health (DOH) address the various situations that will arise in the wake of the confirmation of the first case of 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (nCoV ARD) in the country.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa
(Police Regional Office 10 / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “The PNP would always be dependent sa (on the) disposition ng (of) DOH. Ano ang magiging desisyon nila (Whatever their decision), we will always abide,” PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa told reporters in an ambush interview after an event at the Quezon City Police District Friday. “But basically, tutulong kami (we will help), probably sa dadalhin ‘yung mga (in transporting the) affected sa (to) quarantine.” Gamboa said that the PNP has a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense equipment (CBRN-E) unit that is ready for use on patients who will test positive for the virus. “This is a unit specialized for chemical warfare. Pero pwede naman natin ‘tong gamitin kasi protected din sila so that ‘di sila mahawa ‘pag gagalaw sila (This is a unit specialized for chemical warfare. But we can use it, so our personnel are protected so that they will not contract the disease while on duty),” the police chief said. However, Gamboa said they have to prioritize the safety of their personnel first through “taking cue from the DOH” including their “guidance” of what the PNP has to do because “they have the expertise on determining” it. Gamboa said the national police have enough protective gear, especially face masks, to protect its personnel. “(We have enough equipment) to protect the PNP who going to implement the quarantine. They’re protected.” Gamboa also said they would encourage all police personnel to wear surgical or N95 face masks, adding that they have enough supplies, mostly left over from their activities related to the Taal Volcano eruption. Regarding panic buying, Gamboa said he will issue an order to control crowds rushing to buy face masks across the country. “I will give a specific directive for control of panic buying and ‘yung (the) control ng (of) traffic.”
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa(Police Regional Office 10 / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “The PNP would always be dependent sa (on the) disposition ng (of) DOH. Ano ang magiging desisyon nila (Whatever their decision), we will always abide,” PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa told reporters in an ambush interview after an event at the Quezon City Police District Friday. “But basically, tutulong kami (we will help), probably sa dadalhin ‘yung mga (in transporting the) affected sa (to) quarantine.” Gamboa said that the PNP has a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense equipment (CBRN-E) unit that is ready for use on patients who will test positive for the virus. “This is a unit specialized for chemical warfare. Pero pwede naman natin ‘tong gamitin kasi protected din sila so that ‘di sila mahawa ‘pag gagalaw sila (This is a unit specialized for chemical warfare. But we can use it, so our personnel are protected so that they will not contract the disease while on duty),” the police chief said. However, Gamboa said they have to prioritize the safety of their personnel first through “taking cue from the DOH” including their “guidance” of what the PNP has to do because “they have the expertise on determining” it. Gamboa said the national police have enough protective gear, especially face masks, to protect its personnel. “(We have enough equipment) to protect the PNP who going to implement the quarantine. They’re protected.” Gamboa also said they would encourage all police personnel to wear surgical or N95 face masks, adding that they have enough supplies, mostly left over from their activities related to the Taal Volcano eruption. Regarding panic buying, Gamboa said he will issue an order to control crowds rushing to buy face masks across the country. “I will give a specific directive for control of panic buying and ‘yung (the) control ng (of) traffic.”