MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa on Tuesday ordered tighter security for healthcare workers and arrest the individuals behind the violent attacks against two medical personnel in Sultan Kudarat and Cebu amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.
“PNP stands doubly committed to apply the full might of the law against any person who will lay hands on our health workers, thus, we shall do whatever it takes to protect them from crime, violence, and any form of oppression and discrimination,” Gamboa said in a statement.
He also directed police officers to ensure strict security to medical staff and health workers for the duration of enhanced community quarantine period.
Over the weekend, an unidentified group of men splashed bleach at a medical worker of St. Louis Hospital Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.
On March 27, a male nurse from Cebu City was on his way home when he was splattered with chlorine by two unidentified men on board a motorcycle in Barangay Labangon.
Aside from assured security, Gamboa said he also ordered police personnel supervising quarantine control stations to escort vehicles carrying health workers to hospitals.