PNP eyes lockdown of training camps

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is considering a temporary lockdown of its training schools to protect PNP personnel and cadets amid the threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (nCoV ARD), an official said yesterday.

Among the training camps that could be closed to visitors are the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite and National Police Training Institute (NPTI) in Calamba City, Laguna.

“We are seriously considering a temporary lockdown of the PNPA, NPTI and other regional training facilities to ensure the safety of cadets and trainees,” PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa told reporters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Gamboa said there is no specific timetable when the police training camps would be closed, adding they are still consulting with the Department of Health.

“We will do it but only after a careful study,” he said.

The PNP headquarters at Camp Crame and other police camps will remain open to the public, according to Gamboa.

He urged police officers to take precautionary measures against the viral disease.

Police commanders were also given the discretion to allot funding for face masks for their personnel.

Gamboa said requiring all members of the 205,000-strong PNP to wear protective masks is not feasible.

“A face mask lasts for only eight hours. If all police officers will use it, that’s 205,000 masks and that’s everyday so you can imagine the cost,” he said.

Despite the scare caused by the 2019 nCoV, Gamboa assured the public that law enforcement operations against illegal drugs, prostitution dens and other crimes would continue.

“I don’t think it will affect police operations,” he said.