MANILA, Philippines — Some cadets in Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) were infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), forcing the police institution to undergo lockdown on Thursday.
Lt. Col. Byron Allatog told reporters in a text message that the strict lockdown started at 5 p.m. He did not disclose yet the duration of the lockdown, as of posting.
“There are cadets found positive and are isolated,” Allatog said but has yet to disclose the total number of infected cadets.
Last July, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said 350 cadets and 20 training staff of PNPA underwent swab testing to be checked for COVID-19. The results of these tests are yet to be revealed.
Meanwhile, PNPA stopped all activities for new cadets after two cadets died inside the academy.
The first case involved Cadet Fourth Class Kenneth Ross who died due to heat stroke last July 8. A few days after Ross’ death, Cadet Fourth Class Jiary Jasen Papa died due to electrolyte imbalance or hypokalemia (low potassium intake).