By Aaron Recuenco Policemen manning the checkpoints for the implementation of the community quarantine in Metro Manila lack some of the protective gear to keep themselves safe from possible Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) infection. But Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said they are now trying to address the problem in order to ensure the protection of the policemen in the frontline of the government's efforts to contain COVID-19. PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa
(PNP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) "We need face masks and gloves and we also need goggles and raincoats," said Gamboa. The Chief PNP's statement came amid observations by some netizens that some of the cops manning the checkpoints were ill-equipped to protect themselves. The checkpoints were set up in all the entry and exit points of Metro Manila which was earlier placed under community quarantine due to alleged exponential rise of COVID-19 infection in the past days. But Gamboa said they have no choice but to immediately implement the order since the PNP was tapped by President Duterte to enforce the community quarantine. "The PNP is very aware of this. We know the risk involved but nevertheless, with the available resources that we have, we have to implement and do our work," said Gamboa. He explained that they cannot postpone the implementation because of the urgency of the situation. "This cannot wait because we are mandated to do something despite the unnecessary risks," said Gamboa. Earlier, the government was criticized over the alleged leniency in the implementation of the community quarantine.