PNP ready to deploy special unit to help DOH

February 3, 2020

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Monday said they are ready to deploy 105 CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives)- trained personnel to help the Department of Health (DOH) especially on the repatriation of Filipinos from China.

In a press conference, Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa, PNP chief said this is in compliance with the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte, mobilizing the Inter-agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease.

“We are just waiting for the Department of Health (DOH) because the deployment of the PNP primarily depends on the DOH because they are the overall in-charge,” Gamboa said.

The 105 CBRNE personnel came from Special Action Force (SAF), Health Service, Crime Laboratory and Explosive Ordinance Division (EOD)- K9.

Gamboa added the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)  committed their doctors if needed. But, unlike the AFP, the PNP cannot offer any camps of facilities to be used as quarantine areas.

As specifically directed by Duterte, Gamboa said the PNP will actively assist the task force in implementing the presidential directive within the limits of their operational capability.

“In support of Department of Health efforts to control the possible spread of corona virus through person to person contact, I have directed all Regional and National Support Unit directors to make available individual face masks for all PNP personnel and provision for hand sanitizers in PNP offices and facilities,” he said.

Gamboa said they will not implement “no face mask, no entry” in all camps and offices but he directed all PNP personnel to always wash their hands.

Gamboa also said relentless police operations will continue and he directed all PNP personnel to use face masks.

“It will not affect police operations… Just wear mask on operation and wash your hands after,” he said.

“Actually the guidance of the Department of Health (on wearing masks) is at places of convergence… so it will be really upon on the discretion of local commanders to determine when to use it or not… we are also in touch with the available resources we have,” Gamboa said.

According to PNP-Health Service, they have establish protocols since the news broke out. The PNP Hospital said there are teams and ambulances ready in transporting patients to San Lazaro Hospital.

On hoarding and profiteering of face mask and sanitizers, the PNP said they are ready to assist the Department of Trade and Industry.

“We offer our services but basically, we gave orders to the chief of police to inspect (establishments for) possible supplies, possible panic buying and orderliness in buying. Directive has been given but DTI is primarily responsible for this specific item,” Gamboa said.

“The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and local PNP units are directed to assist DTI and local government units in monitoring market activities, to identify establishments and traders engaged in hoarding and profiteering of medical supply, such as face mask and disinfectants, that are taken advantage of the situation to create an artificial demand and justify a hike in prices,” he said.

Gamboa said all directives when it comes to airports, seaports and even back door entries will be coming from airport officials and the Bureau of Immigration.

The PNP chief also echoed the call of health authorities to remain calm and informed amid the global public health emergency.

“And instead focus attention and effort in promoting personal hygiene, and strengthening of the immune system through proper nutrition and lifestyle,” Gamboa said. Ella Dionisio/DMS