(FILE) A health worker collects blood samples from police officers as they conduct mass testing for COVID-19 in Manila. (AP file Photo/Aaron Favila)
MANILA, Philippines—Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, the officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), announced on Saturday that a pregnant police officer was the latest COVID-19 fatality in the organization.
The PNP to date has lost 36 officers to COVID-19.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I announce the untimely demise of another esteemed police officer who was in the frontline in this epic fight against a silent but deadly enemy,” said Eleazar in a statement.
Eleazar said the police officer, who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 12, was assigned as a Questioned Document Examiner and one of the team leaders of Valenzuela City’s Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO).
Eleazar said that the cop was brought to Arkong Bato quarantine facility, was then transferred to Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, and was admitted at the hospital on March 17.
The police officer was then attached to a mechanical ventilator for oxygen support on March 18 but she suffered seizures the day after and was extubated twice as her OB-in-charge relayed to Eleazar.
“At about 5:00 AM, decreased heart rate was noted. Epinephrine was given 12 times. However, even with resuscitation and medications given she expired. At around 5:38 AM, she was declared dead, with her unborn child,” said Eleazar.
Eleazar said the officer’s bereaved family will receive social benefits and will get full financial support from the PNP.