PNP probes reported hoarding of oxygen tanks, med supplies

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered its different units and offices across the country to thwart any attempt against the reported hoarding of oxygen tanks and other medical supplies amid the continuing threat and surging cases of Covid-19.

The directive to police regional offices and units was issued on Wednesday by PNP chief General Guillermo Eleazar after Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama called on the police and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to probe deeper into the reported hoarding of oxygen tanks.

Metro Manila and Cebu City, as well most parts of the country, are facing surge in Covid-19 cases, which had been attributed to the more infectious Covid-19 Delta variant. The increase prompted the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases to put the National Capital Region under hard lockdown beginning tomorrow, August 6, 2021.

“I have directed the Cebu City Police and the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to closely coordinate with the DTI office in the area and look into this report of hoarding,” Eleazar said.

The PNP chief said the police would also check if there are incidents of hoarding of oxygen tanks and other medical supplies in the National Capital Region and other parts of the country.

“Even here in Metro Manila, we will also check if there are also incidents like these. More than ever, it is now that we need enough supplies of oxygen tanks because of the rising number of Covid-19 cases due to the transmissible Delta variant,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PNP chief said the police would not be offering free rides to authorized persons outside residence (APOR) once the enhanced community quarantine is implemented in Metro Manila.

He said that if APORS have to report for work, they have to take public transportation, which had been allowed by the government to operate on a 50 percent capacity.

I have directed the Cebu City Police and the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to closely coordinate with the DTI office in the area and look into this report of hoarding.

PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar