DOH to lead probe into police doctor’s death due to chemical inhalation

The Department of Health (DOH) will lead an independent investigation into the death of a police doctor due to the inhalation of a toxic chemical, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday.

Police Captain Dr. Casey Gutierrez, 31, died on May 31 after inhaling a chemical while at a quarantine facility for coronavirus disease 2019 patients managed by the PNP.

Two other members of the PNP Medical Reserve Force, Police Staff Sergeant Steve Rae Salamanca and Police Corporal Runie Toledo, were also treated at the PNP General Hospital after experiencing conditions similar to Gutierrez.

Gutierrez, Salamanca, and Toledo were detailed at the Philippine Sports Arena (PSA).

While performing a routine decontamination procedure at the PSA on May 24, the team accidentally sprayed a concentrated decontamination solution that caused irritation and difficulty in breathing.

First aid was immediately administered to the victims by other PNP personnel.

Police Lieutenant General Camilo Cascolan, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, has since coordinated with the office of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for assistance in the ongoing probe.

Cascolan said the investigation will also be joined by other concerned agencies involved in the administration of the PSA in Pasig City.

“The PNP mourns the death of Dr. Casey Gutierrez and I have ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. All efforts must be exerted to ensure that no similar incident happens in the future.” PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said.

The PNP Administrative Support to COVID-19 Task Force earlier said the chemical disinfectant used at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), another PNP-managed quarantine facility, is hypoallergenic and biodegradable.

The task force added that the PSA and PICC have different service providers. — DVM, GMA News