PNP appeals to public vs. hoarding oxygen tanks, medical supplies

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday appealed to the public to avoid hoarding oxygen tanks and other medical supplies amid the continuing increase in the number of COVID-19 infections. 

In a press statement, PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said the police would be on the lookout for individuals who hoard these medical equipment and supplies at this time of pandemic. 

“Sa gitna ng pagdami ng COVID-19 cases sa bansa, ang PNP ay nagpapaalala sa publiko na iwasan ang paghoard ng oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies,” Eleazar said.

(Amid the rising COVID-19 cases, the PNP reminds the public not to hoard oxygen tanks and other medical equipment and supplies.)  

“Patuloy na magbabantay ang PNP upang maiwasan ang hoarding ng oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies,” he added. 

(The PNP will continue to monitor to prevent hoarding of medical equipment and supplies.) 

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has said there is no shortage on the supply of medical grade oxygen but he also called on the public not to hoard and let the supply circulate. 

Eleazar, meanwhile, urged the public to report to authorities if they have information about hoarding of medical equipment and supplies. 

He added that the PNP would coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the matter. 

"Mahalaga ang oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies ngayong nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya kaya’t sana magkaroon tayo ng malasakit sa ating kapwa lalo na sa mga mas nangangailangan ng mga ito,” Eleazar said. 

(Oxygen tanks and other medical equipment are necessary in this time of pandemic. I hope that we have concern for those who need it more.) 

Earlier this month Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation and file charges against suspected hoarders of oxygen tanks and other medical supplies.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Confederation of Industrial Gases Inc. on Saturday said the supply of medical-grade oxygen in the country is sufficient but the seeming shortage of oxygen tanks arises from the slow turnover from hospitals to refillers. —KG, GMA News