232 PNPA cadets contract COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 232 cadets and 11 police personnel of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, authorities said yesterday.

This developed as the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that the cases within the police organization have climbed to 5,060.

PNPA spokesman Lt. Col. Byron Allatog said the infected cadets and personnel are asymptomatic and are quarantined in five isolation facilities located within the academy’s premises in Silang, Cavite.

“Our healthcare workers are monitoring these cadets and personnel. As of writing, there is no recorded increase in COVID-19 case,” PNPA chief Maj. Gen. Gilberto Cruz said in a statement.

To prevent the virus from infecting other cadets and personnel, Cruz said they distributed 6,500 face shields, 16,000 face masks and 1,100 bottles of rubbing alcohol

“We assure the families and loved ones of thsee cadets that they are in good hands and their wellness will always be our priority,” Cruz said.

The PNP recorded 113 fresh cases among its personnel, bringing the total number of infections in the organization to 5,000.

Lanao Sur gov gets COVID-19

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. announced yesterday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

Adiong said he is undergoing quarantine at an isolation facility in Marawi.

“I tested positive for coronavirus despite having adapted stringent measures to prevent myself from getting infected,” Adiong said in a statement.

He said he immediately went to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center to undergo quarantine after receiving on Sunday the results of his swab tests indicating he was infected.

Adiong said he had a contact with a constituent during a recent meeting.

The constituent tested positive for COVID.

He said his close aide as well as the employees of the office of the governor would be subjected to swab tests.