Policemen are not only on the frontline of enforcing enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) but also of efforts to raise funds for the government’s COVID-19 response, dipping into their own pockets to donate P228.5 million to cash-guzzling measures against SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The money, raised through the so-called #TeamPNP Bayanihan Fund Challenge which started on April 15, was turned over by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Archie Gamboa to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III on Wednesday (May 6).
In a statement, the DOF quoted the PNP as saying that police’s initial target was to raise P200 million but exceeded this because everyone on the PNP payroll participated, including members of PNP Academy Alumni Association and Police Cavaliers Association Inc.
Gamboa, the DOF statement said, told Dominguez that the donation was a “clear indication” that PNP was “sympathetic” to the fight against the pandemic.
“That’s why, even if it’s not too big, we like to contribute on the part of the PNP to show our sympathy to government,” Gamboa said, according to the DOF statement.
Dominguez, in response, heaped praise on the PNP.
He said he felt honored to “receive the cash donations from the voluntary contribution” of everyone on the PNP payroll to government efforts to raise funds for COVID-19 response.
“I receive this donation with great awe,” Dominguez said, according to the DOF statement.
“Those who sacrifice daily to protect our communities found it in their hearts to sacrifice more—they sacrificed part of their pay to help those in desperate need,” he said.
“This is truly noble and a generous effort. It is a gift from the frontline. It is a great act of citizenship,” Dominguez added.
When the pandemic broke, he said, “the PNP was thrust into the frontline.”
“Our police worked around the clock, enforcing quarantine regulations and helping out in every imaginable way,” Dominguez said.
He said police “accepted the risks faced by all” those on the frontline.
“Many of our men in uniform were themselves infected in the line of duty. All throughout, the PNP delivered on their tasks very, very effectively,” Dominguez said.
“Beyond the call of duty, our policemen and our non-uniformed PNP personnel volunteered to donate a portion of their pay to help fund the government’s efforts against the contagion. This is more than commendable. It is actually heroic,” Dominguez added.