Cops with HIV or AIDS won’t be fired, will be given aid–PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Policemen found or even suspected of having HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) will not be dismissed from the service.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) gave this assurance on Monday, adding it would provide its personnel with HIV/AIDS “reasonable assignments” and treat their case in strict confidentiality.

While not confirming HIV/AIDS cases among their 143,000 personnel, Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., the PNP spokesman, said they would support the government campaign to stem the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases.

HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex, transfusion of infected blood, use of needles used by injecting drug users, and from an infected pregnant mother to her unborn child.

Misconceptions that HIV can be transmitted through kissing, toilet sharing and mosquito bites have been debunked by health authorities.

Cruz said HIV and AIDS-positive personnel would be given “reasonable assignment accommodations” upon the recommendation of a duly-authorized medical officer.

He said such personnel “will not be separated from the service based solely on actual, perceived or suspected” HIV and AIDS-positive status.

“The PNP assures a non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing attitude towards HIV positive PNP personnel,” Cruz stressed.

He said they would also strictly observe medical confidentiality and would not disclose the identity and status of policemen found carrying the virus.

He said PNP personnel and their dependents confirmed to have or suspected to have HIV and AIDS would get basic health care benefits, confidential counseling and reimbursement of medical expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and AIDS from the PNP Health Service through its HIV and AIDS committee.

Cruz said in line with the government campaign, the PNP would include HIV and AIDS prevention and control awareness in its mandatory training activities.