68 BFP trainees in Baguio infected

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Not only police trainees but also Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel undergoing training in this city have tested positive for COVID-19.

Sixty-eight BFP trainees from a pool of 130 were found infected, a 58 percent positivity rate, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said yesterday.

Magalong noted that as early as June 12, he asked BFP chief Gen. Jose Embang to suspend the training following reports of infections at the site.

The mayor said initial investigation showed non-compliance with health and safety protocols.

Last month, more than 100 COVID-19 cases were recorded among policemen at the Cordillera Administrative Region Training Center.