COVID-19 cases among cops in Cebu increasing — Gamboa

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday said over 100 of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases among cops came from Central Visayas.

At a press briefing in Camp Crame, Gamboa said the number of COVID-19 cases among police officers in Cebu province has been increasing in the previous days.

"I think there are 122 ang positive sa Cebu... masyadong marami that's why we are putting up our RT/PCR there," Gamboa said.

"As I've said we are rushing the construction of our RT/PCR in Cebu because there's so much infections there. As a matter of fact, ang dami, there was one time parang almost ten coming from Cebu na positive," he added.

The police organization earlier said the number of cops infected with COVID-19 across the country has increased to 499. Of this number, 288 have already recovered while eight died from the disease.

Gamboa noted that the three latest fatalities came from Cebu.

"I think the last victim came from Cebu and I think just last week, bringing the casualties to eight already... the last three are all coming from Cebu," Gamboa said.

Currently, the PNP is seeking the approval of the Department of Health regarding a suitable site for the proposed testing laboratory in Central Visayas.

Gamboa earlier said 100 policemen would be sent to Cebu City to assist in the enforcement of enhanced community quarantine in the area.

He has tasked the regional health services in Western and Eastern Visayas to make sure that the cops who will be deployed have undergone mandatory health checks.

"Of course nakita natin dahil sa infection, 'yun ang unang challenge... how you're going to manage with the limited human resources that you have and in addition, with the advent and threat of COVID-19," Gamboa said.

"That's why we send 100 additional troops coming from Region VI and region VIII who are actually there in Cebu, nandoon sila to help out," he added. — RSJ, GMA News