PNP seeks DOH help for independent probe on police doctor’s death

June 7, 2020

Following the death of a police doctor due to toxic inhalation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has tapped the assistance of the Department of Health (DOH) for an independent investigation.

PNP Chief  General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Sunday said Police Lieutenant General Camilo Cascolan, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration and Commander of PNP Administrative Support to COVID-19 Task Force (ASCOTF) has made representations with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to seek DOH assistance in the probe into the May 24 incident at the Philippine Sports Arena-Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (PSA-TTMF)

“The PNP mourns the death of Dr. Casey Gutierrez and I have ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. All efforts must be exerted to ensure that no similar incident happens in the future.” Gamboa said.

Gamboa emphasized the welfare and safety of police personnel performing frontline duties is a priority in all PNP operations in this time of health crisis.  

“It is our duty to keep our police frontliners safe,” the PNP chief said.

 Gutierrez died on May 31 at the Lung Center of the Philippines due to inhalation injuries while Police Staff Sergeant Steve Rae Salamanca and Police Corporal Runie Toledo, both members of the PNP Medical Reserve Force who experienced similar conditions, are being treated at the PNP General Hospital.

Gutierrez, Salamanca and Toledo were detailed at the PSA-TTMF in Pasig City.

“While performing routine decontamination procedure in the evening of May 24, the team accidentally sprayed concentrated decontamination solution (sodium hypochlorite) that caused irritation and difficulty in breathing. Other PNP personnel rushed to administer first aid to the victims,” according to Gamboa.

Cascolan, for his part, said the independent investigation will be participated by other concerned agencies involved in the administration of the PSA-TTMF.

Cascolan reminded police healthcare personnel and frontline medical units to  be mindful of safety procedures by raising awareness of biosafety and chemical hazards. 

The ASCOTF earlier noted that the chemical disinfectant used in another PNP-managed quarantine facility at the PICC is hypoallergenic and biodegradable, and that the PSA-TTMF and PICC have different service providers.  

“ASCOTF is implementing re-entry protocols in all PNP camps and installations as the PNP resumes regular operations under the new normal,” he said.

“These protocols include disinfection of offices, reconfiguration and observance of minimum health standards in the workplace,” he added.  Ella Dionisio/DMS