MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday belied reports that a 50-year-old Quezon City police officer died after being administered the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine.
In a press conference, PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa said that a cursory check with the PNP Health Service showed that the deceased policeman did not receive Dengvaxia.
“Yung nangyari, yung isang pulis natin na taga station 6 ng QCPD. Tinanong ko yung director ng Health Service kung ito ba ay naturukan ng Dengvaxia and according to records, wala daw. Hindi kasama and hindi daw eligible for Dengvaxia vaccination dahil 50 years old na. Ang requirement dapat, 45 and below (In connection to what happened to one of our policemen from Station 6 of the Quezon City Police District, I inquired with our Health Service if he was vaccinated with Dengvaxia. According to their records, he was not vaccinated since he was already 50 years old and the requirement was 45 years old and below)” dela Rosa said.
“Meron silang findings na leptospirosis yung kinamatay. So far, yun lang ang pinanghawakan nating facts about the case (They have findings that the cause of death was leptospirosis. That is all we have on the case so far),” he added.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that humans get through direct contact with the urine of infected animals, usually through cuts on the skin. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases.
A total of 830,000 children and 30,000 more, including members of the PNP, have received doses of Dengvaxia.
“For those who are doubting that we are trying to hide something, don’t think like that because by covering up, we will gain nothing. By telling the truth, we will not lose anything,” dela Rosa said in Filipino.
The PNP chief also reminded uniformed personnel to always take care of their health. (PNA)
