Duterte vows protection for medical workers vs harassment

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has tasked the Philippines National Police (PNP) to protect healthcare workers from harassment and discrimination in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the country.

President Duterte made the order following an incident in Sultan Kudarat last week where a nurse’s eyes were injured after he was doused with bleach by five people who thought he was infected with COVID-19.

‘Yung mga taong gumawa ng gano’n, I am ordering the police to go around. ‘Wag kayong mag-istambay diyan sa istasyon. Maglakad kayo, tandem, at maghanap kayo ng mga taong bastos,” Duterte said in an address to the nation.

Duterte also assured the healthcare workers serving as frontliners that he will support and defend them as they lead efforts to combat the virus in the country.

“Follow the government at this time because it is really critical that we have order and do not harm the healthcare workers, the doctors and everything, because that is a serious crime,” Duterte said.

Ulitin ko: Do not. ‘Yung mga doktor, pagpunta mo doon sa ospital, ‘yon ‘yung doctor na binuhusan mo, ‘yon ‘yung maggagamot sa iyo sa loob ng hospital,” he added. “‘Yung mga frontliners, huwag kayong mag-alala. I will support and defend you.”/PN

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