PNP to facilitate converted quarantine facility PhilSports Arena

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been tasked to facilitate a quarantine facility in Pasig City, which is intended for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

A turnover ceremony of the We Heal As One Center in ULTRA was attended by PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Wednesday.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) chief and deputy implementer of the government’s efforts to curb COVID-19 Vince Dizon and Office of Civil Defense administrator Ricardo Jalad were also present in the turnover ceremony of the facility, which has 132-bed capacity.

In a press statement, Gamboa expressed gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the prompt conversion of the Philsports Arena into an isolation facility.

"It's an honor for the PNP, especially our frontline police medical and healthcare personnel, to be given this vital responsibility to take the lead in putting into action the government's response to this health crisis," Gamboa said.

At a separate press briefing, Gamboa reminded PNP personnel who will be assigned in the facility to observe proper health and safety protocols.

"Follow strict protocols, medical protocols para di sila mahawahan," Gamboa said.

"Anway, mayroon namang certain protocols 'yung relyebo... everytime they go out, they have to rest for two weeks and then they get tested before they assume back on their turf," he added.

The PNP is also facilitating the operations of the Philippine International Convention Center quarantine facility in which 42 personnel are taking turns in manning it.

The national government has been converting several government assets into quarantine facilities to relieve the burden on hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases.

Other venues include the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga, and the National Government Administrative Center and the Athletes’ Village in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. — RSJ, GMA News