ILOILO – Five personnel of the Barotac Nuevo police station tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to Police Major Rowena Hubero, chief of police.
Hubero said on Saturday (July 3), an intelligence officer with a rank of Police Corporal complained of having back pain and cough.
When swabbed, the policeman was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19.
The following day, four police personnel who came in close contact with the intelligence officer underwent antigen test; they tested positive for COVID-19.
They then underwent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, which also yielded positive results.
“The four personnel were asymptomatic and they were already in the town’s quarantine facility, while our symptomatic officer was in the hospital for medication,” Hubero said.
“We can still cater to the needs of the people, however, we are strict in accommodating them,” she added.
Hubero and 11 other personnel also underwent swab testing yesterday. They were waiting for their results while their station was already disinfected.
Last week, 10 personnel of the Janiuay municipal police station also tested positive for COVID-19. Eight were asymptomatic and two exhibited symptoms.
These personnel were also assigned at border control points last month with the province’s being under modified enhanced community quarantine.
As of yesterday, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) had 145 total coronavirus cases – 36 were active (16 had mild symptoms; 20 asymptomatic) and 109 have already recovered.
Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, IPPO director, said he is hoping that no more police personnel get infected. He also reminded them not to lower their guards against the viral disease.
“The danger is always there because we cater to different people and serve the community. We have no choice but to do our job,” Gorero added./PN
