COVID-19 tests for police recruits
I do not want to discount the possibility that there is infection at PNPA and other training camps because of other experiences abroad
All new recruits of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will be separated from the rest of the population and subjected to COVID-19 testing following the deaths of two underclassmen only days apart last week.
This was disclosed by PNP chief PGen. Archie Gamboa during his press briefing in Camp Crame on Monday, saying that it was need to ensure all members of PNPA Class of 2024 are not carriers of the coronavirus disease.
Meanmwhile, the deaths of two plebes, Cadet 4th Class Kenneth Ross Alvarado and Cadet 4th Class Jiary Jasen Papa were ruled to have been caused by heat stroke and hypokalemia, or low potassium intake, respectively.
“I do not want to discount the possibility that there is infection at PNPA and other training camps because of other experiences abroad,” Gamboa said.
“The danger here is that if one of them is infected, there is a possibility of mass infection because they stay and train in the same place,” he added.
His order to isolate and test all newcomers, the top cop added, was for the protection not just of the recruits but everyone inside the PNPA.
The danger here is that if one of them is infected, there is a possibility of mass infection because they stay and train in the same place.
Alvarado expired due to heat stroke on 8 July.
Three days later, Papa died after collapsing, caused by low potassium in her system, while preparing for an early morning activity.
Their deaths prompted Gamboa to order the temporary suspension of all PNPA cadets’ activities while health and safety protocols inside the institution are being re-evaluated.
“We still need to review it and really find out the reasons why the two died,” stated Gamboa.
Gamboa, however, was quick to dismiss perceptions that the PNPA overlooked Alvarado and Papa’s health and medical backgrounds before accepting them.
“Adjustments of protocols and procedures would be looked at during the review. We should balance these and I hope these unfortunate events will never happen again,” the PNP Chief noted.
Resumption of training and other activities in the PNPA will be determined after the review to be conducted by the top brasses from the national headquarters, PNPA, and National Police Training Institute anytime this week.