Amid the rising number of cases of COVID-19 infections in the country, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar asked the public to avoid hoarding medical equipment and supplies, particularly oxygen tanks.
Eleazar said the police would be on the lookout for individuals who hoard these medical equipment and supplies during this time of a public health crisis.
“Sa gitna ng pagdami ng COVID-19 cases sa bansa, ang PNP ay nagpapaalala sa publiko na iwasan ang paghoard ng oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies,” Eleazar said.
“Patuloy na magbabantay ang PNP upang maiwasan ang hoarding ng oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies,” he added.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has said there is currently no shortage of the supply of medical grade oxygen, but urged the public not to hoard oxygen tanks at home so that the supply could circulate and avert a shortage.
Eleazar called on the public to report to the authorities if they have information on hoarding of medical equipment and supplies by unscrupulous individuals.
The PNP chief added that the organization would closely coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the matter.
“Mahalaga ang oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies ngayong nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya, kaya’t sana magkaroon tayo ng malasakit sa ating kapwa lalo na sa mga mas nangangailangan ng mga ito,” Eleazar said. (PNP-PIO) – jlo
