MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa on Monday ordered the exemption of single-parent police officers from front-line duty amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country.
In a message to reporters, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, said Gamboa also ordered that only one spouse from police couples will be allowed to be deployed to the front line while the other spouse may be delegated to administrative or support duties.
“The Chief PNP considered these policy initiatives to protect the welfare of family members especially the children of PNP personnel. This is to ensure the safety and security of children of PNP personnel from possible exposure and contamination to the virus,” he added.
However, PNP personnel whose occupational specialization are essential like doctors, nurses, members of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) team, and personnel with similar technical qualifications shall be prioritized for deployment provided that they are not immuno-compromised.
Banac said Gamboa has instructed Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Biay, Director for Personnel and Records Management, to make an accounting of PNP personnel to identify police couples.
In Camp Crame, the PNP has established Covid-19 testing booths at the Multi-Purpose Center for the PNP personnel who were considered as Patients Under Investigation (PUI) and Persons under Monitoring (PUM).
The Admin Support to Covid-19 Operations Task Force (ASCOTF), to be headed by PNP deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, said it is considering the conversion of the PNP multi-level parking into a quarantine area like the Kiangan Billeting Hall to admit more PUI and PUM police personnel.
The ASCOTF will also be in charge of the deployment of Medical Reserve Force in the areas identified by the government as quarantine areas for Covid-19 such as the Philippine International Convention Center, Rizal Memorial Stadium and other facilities of the Philippine Sport Complex converted as health facilities to cater to patients.
So far, 19 PNP personnel have tested positive for the virus with two deaths.
The PNP said 283 policemen were considered PUIs and 1,676 were listed as PUMs. (PNA)
