PNP officials present during Sinas' visit to Oriental Mindoro test negative for COVID-19

Police officials who were present during the recent visit of Philippine National Police chief Police General Debold Sinas in Oriental Mindoro tested negative for COVID-19, the Police Regional Office 4B Mimaropa said on Saturday.

"The results of RT-PCR test conducted have been released and all are NEGATIVE," the PRO 4B said in a message sent to reporters.

"Likewise, as of this date, not anyone from the identified close contacts experienced covid19 symptoms," it added.

Sixty-six PNP personnel were present during Sinas' command visit to the PRO Mimaropa office on March 11.

Among them was PRO Mimaropa regional director Police Brigadier General Pascual Muñoz Jr.

The PRO 4B said the RT-PCR tests were conducted six days after the command visit "to ensure that the virus will be detected, if there is any, within 5-7 days after exposure."

"This reflects the effective implementation of health protocols by the PNP during the CPNP Command Visit," it added.

"To God be the Glory. Keep safe everyone and let us continue to pray for those who are battling with the virus. Thank you po and God bless," it said.

The provincial government of Oriental Mindoro earlier said Sinas skipped health protocols when he arrived in the province and went straight to the PRO office.

Sinas was confirmed to have been infected with the novelcoronavirus on the same day.

“Si PGen. Debold Sinas ay hindi dumaan sa pier ng Calapan at hindi siya kabilang sa mga na-profile ng mga kawani ng PGOM. Siya ay dumating sa lalawigan lulan ng helicopter at dumiretsyo sa Regional Headquarters,” it said in a statement posted on social media Friday.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said Sinas takes swab tests and observes health protocols but still contracted COVID-19.

"Everytime our chief moves po, he never fails to take the swab test. He wears face mask and shield. He has his alcohol with him. He requires all other offls [officials] joining him to do the same," Usana said in a message sent to reporters.

"But virus is everywhere po. Even member/s of some royal families tested positive fm the virus. Nobody really is exempt from COVID19," he added. —KG, GMA News