PALO, Leyte- Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) is now undertaking security operations response against the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a report from PRO-8 based in Camp Ruperto Kangleon, this town, said.
Police Brigadier General Ferdinand Divina, PRO-8 regional director, said that this is in response to the declaration of state of public health emergency by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte due to COVID-19 in the country that needs a whole of the nation approach and appropriate Police response to ensure public safety and security.
Divina disclosed that prior to the said declaration, PRO-8 has already created a Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG) headed by PRO-8 regional director and 12 key officers to address the critical and crisis incident in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
In addition, the Regional Reactionary Standby Support Force (RRSSF) composed of 220 personnel, Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams composed of 195 personnel, Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) composed of 162 personnel were activated and ready for deployment to support security and response operations as the need arises.
“Police assistance desks (PADs) were likewise established in airports, seaports and areas of convergence to ably assist the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) of the Department of Health 8 (DOH8) with regard to the security, isolation and control of quarantine areas,” Divina said.
Divina reported that PRO8 has also acquired 16 sets of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) which are intended for the use of the trained Regional Standby Support Force Team of PRO8 responding to the COVID-19 outbreak upon notice from the DOH.
The PRO8 has started to utilize non-contact thermometers/thermal scanners to all individuals entering the camp. PRO-8 also has a temporary quarantine facility for those who will record a high temperature upon scanning.
Divina advised the community to do the following to prevent the spread of the disease: FLU WISE, which stands for W- Wash, I- Informed, S- Social Distancing and E- Etiquette and in case someone has acquired flu, virus and other infectious diseases, FLU CARE which stands for C- Care, A- Assess, R- Rest and E- Educate so as to reduce mortality.
“Let us all be health conscious, especially at this time when this virus has reached the Philippines. Our police force stands ready and prepared for any assistance you may need. Each one of us is responsible for the safety and security of our community,” Divina stated.
(RESTITUTO A. CAYUBIT)
