COVID-infected PNP personnel now at 96, says Gamboa

The number of police personnel infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rose to 96, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said Thursday.

Data from the PNP Public Information Office showed that fatalities were still at three while 13 have recovered. Meanwhile, a total of 215 PNP personnel were listed as probable persons under investigation while a total 357 personnel were considered as suspected PUIs.

"We have to accept the reality that in this lonely battle, we get tired, and we get sick, but as if these were not enough, we also get improperly bashed over the most trivial issues," Gamboa said at a virtual press briefing.

He said the PNP continues to manage the required deployment of frontline police personnel for enhanced community quarantine duties through regular rotation so that  they have time to rest and prepare for the next round of duty.

Gamboa also assured cops that proper gears and supportive healthcare were in place for their  safety.

In relation to that, Gamboa bared that four emergency quarantine facilities would be launched later in the day in Camp Crame.

These facilities have a total capacity of 120 beds which were designed to complement the capacity of hospitals and other medical institutions, the PNP chief said.

"We are open to all possible means to mitigate the continued increase of COVID cases among our law enforcers who are the country's last line of defense in maintaining order amidst our fight against this contagion," Gamboa said.

The PNP chief also said at least four personnel from the Health Service and Crime Laboratory were already training to take charge of the police force's RT-PCR testing laboratory. —AOL/NB, GMA News