PNP enforcing ECQ as personnel infected with COVID-19 reach 78

April 24, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) enforced heightened Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), particularly in areas with increasing incidence of COVID-19 infection as police with confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 78.

“ Thus, we will intensify monitoring of COVID-19 cases among our PNP personnel and will strictly implement PNP-wide Biosafety Plan in all PNP camps, headquarters, precincts including ECQ checkpoints,” said Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson,in a statement.

The PNP- Health Services said they have 78 confirmed cases, 580 suspected and 96 probable cases for a total of 754 PNP personnel .

A total of 12 recoveries and 3 deaths were recorded as of Thursday.

In a virtual briefing, Banac said the PNP  is implementing biosafety measure on their custodial facilities at police stations.

“Strict biosafety measures are being implemented to all those who are detained so that they will not get infected,” he said.

Banac did not say if there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in police custodial facilities.

Banac said PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa expressed support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement that the PNP will enforce heightened ECQ measures with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Also, the PNP through the DILG and in cooperation with the DOH is tasked to lead the contact tracing of positive, probable and suspected COVID-19 cases in the country,” he said.

Aside from immediate arrest of ECQ violators, the PNP will also intensify arrest for hoarding, profiteering, manipulation of prices, spreading of fake news, cyberfraud. The PNP will also arrest those caught harassing or discriminating frontline health workers.

“To all our countrymen do your part... by staying at home throughout this heightened lockdown,” Banac said.

According to Joint Task Force COVID Shield, a total of 144, 452 violators were arrested nationwide since March 17.

There were 753 persons apprehended for hoarding, profiteering and manipulation of medical supply prices and 9,558 nabbed for violation on suspension of public transportation operation. Ella Dionisio/DMS