PNP considering ”temporary lockdown” on training facilities due to coronavirus

February 3, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said they are considering a “temporary lockdown” on all training facilities after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed victims of 2019 NCov (novel coronavirus) in the country.

“The PNP is seriously considering the temporary lockdown of all our training facilities including Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), National Police Training Institute (NPTI), and all its regional schools to ensure the safety and protection of cadets in these facilities,” said Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa, PNP chief , in a press briefing.

However, Gamboa said there is a need for experts' assessment before it is implemented.

“You just don’t execute something because we have to balance. It might create panic or we might be overreacting so it should be evidence-based. So if the Department of Health recommends that it is necessary then we will do so but only upon careful study because it has also a lot if implication once you decide on doing something,” he said.

If ever implemented, the PNP chief said there will be denial of entry of person who are not assigned or duty in the said facilities.

“Purpose of lockdown is further contamination… but the number of confirm affected is still lower and can be contain,” he said.

Gamboa said directives has been given to all PNP personnel unit and a team was created to help and assist the DOH when need arises.

On Sunday, the DOH confirmed the first NCov-related death outside China. The victim is the second positive NCov case and the companion of the female Chinese patient who was first diagnosed.  Ella Dionisio/DMS