Gamboa eyes second RT/PCR testing facility in Camp Crame

The Philippine National Police is eyeing to have its second RT/PCR facility in Camp Crame to intensify efforts in curbing the spread of COVID-19 among police officers, its chief said on Monday.

"I already gave a go signal that we will be facilitating of opening up our second RT-PCR center in Crame. So hopefully kung matuloy 'yung second RT-PCR it would increase our capacity to test from 300 to 450 at pag na-automate 'yung second PCR baka kaya namin ng 600 per day," Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said at a press briefing.

"That's good enough to address the needs of the PNP personnel and their dependents," Gamboa added.

According to Gamboa, the PNP is already preparing for the training of police personnel who would man the second testing facility inside Camp Crame.

Gamboa is also hoping that the testing facilities in Cebu and Davao would open soon.

It was in May when the police organization had launched its first testing facility. Aside from increasing its testing efforts, the PNP also wants to ensure that they have enough PPEs, especially for those cops deployed to enforce quarantine measures.

COVID-19 cases

So far, COVID-19 cases in the PNP exceeded 2,000. 

Gamboa said most of the COVID-19 cases recorded in the police are from Regions III, VII, and IV-A, including the National Police Training Institute in which a total of 183 got infected.

"Generally ang pinakamalala 'yung nasa Lucena but we admit there are infections in Region III and region VII and then Region IV-A, pero 'yung sa Lucena ang kakaiba kasi out of 350, 183 in just a period of 10 days," Gamboa said.

"So ako I just want to rule out na 'yung Lucena infection is isolated at it is not happening in Region III, Region VII and sa Calamba na meron din training facility doon and true enough isolated 'yung sa Lucena na ganoon kalaki 'yung infection," he added.

He said adjustments have been made in the NPTI to curb the spread of disease. Those infected have been isolated, Gamboa said.

"First they are living in a tent na walo ang laman... kasi nga para siyang... pag summer training kasi naka tent kayo tapos parang you experience the life na parang nandoon ka sa bundok," Gamboa said.

"So probably 'yun ang unang mali that's why we have reduced for every tent, apat na lang ang second na na-find out is 'yung kanilang pagkain is buffect. So ngayon it is individually served," he added.

Gamboa also said educators of the police trainees would be virtually teaching them to avoid physical interaction. — RSJ, GMA News