NCRPO needs more thermal scanners

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila police is asking the Department of Health (DOH) for more thermal scanners to be used at checkpoints amid the implementation of the community quarantine against the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, National Capital Region Police Office chief, said the NCRPO is appealing for 100 more thermal scanners as only half of the 56 checkpoints have the device.

He said the additional scanners are needed to speed up processing at checkpoints, noting the expected influx of motorists going to work today. Thermal scanning is one of the measures being implemented at checkpoints, aside from verification of identification to gain entry into Metro Manila.

Sinas said they already tried to procure more thermal scanners but failed as these are no longer available in the market.

The military assured the public yesterday that soldiers assisting the police are equipped and wearing proper protective equipment. 

1st Lt. Arrianne Bichara, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), said soldiers deployed in various areas are tasked to either take the temperature through the scanner or ask for the IDs of those going to Metro Manila.  

Bichara said the deployment of troops has been smooth and that the people are cooperative.