Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Dionardo Carlos encouraged their unvaccinated personnel to take part in the ongoing national vaccination program of the government against COVID-19 during his speech at Camp Crame on Monday, Dec. 6.
As of Monday, only 0.4% or 1,800 PNP personnel are unvaccinated according to the PNP Health Service (PNP-HS). More than 1,000 of them cited health and other medical conditions such as allergies, pregnancy, and lactating mothers as the reason for not participating in the vaccination drive.
At least 69 PNP personnel cited religious beliefs. 700 PNP personnel did not give any reason.
“At the end of the day, ayaw namin na mapahamak din sila kaya po sila ay pinakikiusapan namin na magpa-vaccinate. Kung hindi po, maaari namin po silang ilagay sa [mga] hindi exposed to the virus,” the PNP Chief said.
“We will require them to deliver the services because they are being paid by the National government. Hindi excuse na hindi ka vaccinated, hindi ka na magta-trabaho? No way,” Carlos added.
PNP Health Service Director PB Gen. Antonio Cirujales also said that they ordered their regional units to help encourage unvaccinated personnel to get vaccinated.
“We are going to generate all the lists and then, we are going to inform all medical units nationwide. Yung mga chief natin sa mga regions, sila ang mag-encourage. Pupuntahan personally ang mga taong ito para i-encourage na magpa-vaccine,” Cirujales said.
Meanwhile, PNP Bicol reached a 99% vaccination rate on Dec. 2.
Only 126 of 12,879 are still unvaccinated. 754 of them received their first dose.
As of Monday, Dec.6, more than 2,700 PNP personnel nationwide have been given booster shots. – Reports from Patrick de Jesus and Danica Caballero (PIA Catanduanes) / CC-bny
