39 nabbed for attacking medical frontliners – PNP March 17-April 29 data

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it arrested 39 people for reported harassment and violence against health workers nationwide since the enhanced community quarantine began last March 17.

Data from Joint Task Force COVID Shield (JTF COVID Shield) showed that out of 104 cases of attacks and discrimination against the medical frontliners, 39 were arrested from March 17 to April 29.

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, JTF COVID Shield chief, said they already filed criminal complaints against the 39 suspects.

Of the 104 cases of harassment, 66 were considered solved, 13 were cleared while 38 cases are still under investigation.

Eleazar said “solved” cases mean suspects were arrested and charged while “cleared” cases mean they are preparing criminal cases but the suspect is still at large.

Eleazar also noted that most cases were reported from Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Mimaropa, and Metro Manila.

He also reminded his police officers to protect health workers who continue to treat patients infected with the coronavirus disease.

“The least that we could do as law enforcers is to protect them from shameless and inconsiderate people who unfairly treat them despite their sacrifices,” he said in a statement.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa previously ordered his men to tighten security at health centers to ensure that health workers are protected from discrimination and violence.