PNP calls on unit heads to provide safety gear at COVID-19 checkpoints

Due to reports that some police officers lacked safety equipment at coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) checkpoints, the Philippine National Police (PNP) directed unit commanders to provide the needed safety equipment.

“Tawagan natin ng pansin ang kanilang mga unit commanders na they should provide the necessary PPEs (personal preventive equipment) at mga kagamitan para mapatupad ng maayos ang community quarantine,” PNP acting spokesperson Police Major General Benigno Durana Jr. said on Super Radyo dzBB.

“As the day progresses, we are hoping na ito ay makumpleto na. Ito ‘yung mga face mask at mga thermal scanners,” Durana added.

In order to procure the needed gear, the PNP spokesperson urged unit commander to coordinate with the Department of Health and with local governments.

“Alam nyo naman this is the first day that we have conducted a community quarantine at nakikita po natin meron (masks). Sabi nga Regional Director ng NCRPO there are some things that we have to iron out,” explained Durana.

“Hopefully by tomorrow ‘yang mga bagay na yan ay nabigyan ng tugon ng ating unit commanders lalo na yung joint task force natin it coordination with DOH and LGUs."

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III explained that the lack of PPEs for the servicemen and police officers manning the quarantine checkpoints was due to the global shortage.

Because of this, the DOH had to prioritize the distribution of PPEs, with frontline health workers and medical personnel given priority.

Around 200 checkpoints were set up in different regions as the community quarantine on Metro Manila and other areas started Sunday morning. Around 2,000 police officers were manning checkpoints around the NCR. — Joviland Rita/DVM, GMA News