Doctor held after dispute with cops over face shield

A doctor was apprehended by the police in Cainta recently after an argument over his right not to wear a face shield while cycling.

The police said the 35-year-old doctor should have put on his face shield after dismounting from his bicycle during a security check on April 4, according to the Inquirer.net portal.

There has yet to be any statement from the police but reportedly a complaint for simple disobedience and unjust vexation has been filed a day after the doctor’s arrest.

On the day of the confrontation, the doctor was cycling when he was stopped at the checkpoint at 7.30am along Ortigas Avenue Extension at Barangay Santo Domingo. Policemen then asked him for his identification.

The doctor presented his hospital identification document and he was verified as an Authorised Person Outside of Residence (APOR).

However, an argument ensued when he was reminded to wear his face shield.

The police said the doctor insisted that being a biker, he was not required to wear a face shield and that “as a doctor, he knows what to do”.

The police, however, disagreed, saying the doctor should have worn his face shield after dismounting from his bike.

The Cainta prosecutor’s office has approved the filing of simple disobedience and unjust vexation against the doctor.

“The Inquest Resolution is for filing of Simple Disobedience and unjust vexation,” Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said.

Meanwhile, in a separate report by the Philstar.com portal, the

Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that face shields are not mandatory for active transport users.

Citing the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the DOH said that individuals engaged in “strenuous activities or work, fine workmanship, operation of transportation vehicles and active transport” are exempted from wearing face shields.

It said active transport users are not required to use shields due to potential safety risks.

It, however, said that face shields must be worn before and after cycling or similar activities.

It reminded active transport users that the use of face masks and observance of other appropriate health interventions must continue while engaging in active transport.