COVID-19 PH: Single-parent cops now exempted from frontline duties

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers who are single parents are now excused from frontline duties during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

At the same time, only one spouse among couples within the PNP will be allowed to be deployed to the frontlines while the other spouse may be delegated to administrative or support duties.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said that the country’s top cop, Gen. Archie Gamboa, considered these policy initiatives to protect the welfare of family members, especially the children of PNP personnel.

“This is to ensure the safety and security of children of PNP personnel from possible exposure and contamination to the virus,” Banac said in a statement.

However, PNP personnel whose specialty are most needed like doctors, nurses, members of the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) team will be prioritized for deployment provided that their health is not compromised.

PNP chief Gamboa has already instructed the Director for Personnel and Records Management Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Biay to account for PNP personnel to identify couples who are both in the frontlines and ensure that one of the spouses is exempted from such duties.

The PNP has also said that it is preparing for the possibility of an extension of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Among its preparation is the creation of the PNP Administrative Support to COVID-19 Operations Task Force (ASTF), which will ensure the “efficient” delivery of administrative support for the ongoing operations of Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield.

The PNP has also ordered a 30-day suspension of loan payments by PNP personnel to accredited private financial institutions and lending houses.