Policemen manning the checkpoints for the implementation of the community quarantine in Metro Manila lack some of the protective gear to keep themselves safe from possible coronavirus infection.
But Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said they are now trying to address the problem in order to ensure the protection of the policemen in the frontline of the government’s efforts to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“We need face masks and gloves and we also need goggles and raincoats,” said Gamboa.
The Chief PNP’s statement came amid observations by some netizens that some of the cops manning the checkpoints were ill-equipped to protect themselves.
The checkpoints were set up in all the entry and exit points of Metro Manila which was earlier placed under community quarantine due to alleged exponential rise of COVID-19 cases in the past days.
But Gamboa said they have no choice but to immediately implement the order since the PNP was tapped by President Duterte to enforce the community quarantine. (Aaron Recuenco)