ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) will go after hoarders of medical oxygen tanks and other supplies.
“We encourage the general public to report oxygen hoarding. We cannot allow this to happen during this time of pandemic,” said Police Lieutenant Joem Malong, spokesperson of PRO-6.
Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda, regional police director, ordered all police units to coordinate with concerned government agencies to quell possible oxygen tank hoarding.
Early this month, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Guillermo Eleazar ordered an investigation into the reported hoarding of medical oxygen tanks and medical supplies amid the threat of the more infectious Delta variant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Oxygen tanks and other medical supplies are badly needed by our health facilities. We should not let anyone take advantage of the situation,” said Malong.
In Iloilo City, police commanders were ordered to monitor hospitals and coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“So far, we have no reports on hoarding,” said Police Captain Shella May Sangrines, Iloilo City Police Office spokesperson.
“We have to help one another fight this virus. Nagapati ako nga ma-contain naton ang COVID-19 if we follow health protocols. Your police are here to help you,” added Sangrines./PN
