PNP recalls order to release P50,000 aid per COVID-19 cop

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) recalled yesterday a memorandum ordering the disbursement of P50,000 for every police officer who has tested positive for the coronavirus disease.

In the memorandum dated Nov. 24, 2020, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Licup ordered all regional directors to give “all PNP frontliners who tested positive of COVID-19” financial assistance in the amount of P50,000.

But Licup, the PNP’s chief comptroller, said yesterday there might have been confusion over the order, which he had already recalled.

Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, PNP spokesman, clarified that the amount stated in the memo constituted benefits intended for the families of personnel who had died of the virus.

However, Usana did not confirm whether the order would only be amended or scrapped altogether.

The memo had also ordered regional directors to personally visit injured and hospitalized PNP personnel and provide them with financial assistance of no less than P100,000.

Rebel returnees, meanwhile, were also to be given P10,000, based on the recalled order.

Meanwhile, the PNP chief thanked President Duterte for giving priority to police officers once government begins administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are very delighted. At least the President loves us very much,” Gen. Debold Sinas told reporters.

“We are glad that we are prioritized for the vaccine and the President also understands that we are frontliners in stopping the spread of COVID-19,” he added.

Last Monday, Duterte said state security forces need to remain healthy and so they should be on the priority list for the country’s inoculation program.

“I need a healthy military and police because if all of them get sick, I no longer have anyone I can rely on. We don’t have anyone who can run errands,” he said.

Sinas gave assurance that the PNP is ready to render any assistance related to the distribution of vaccines nationwide.