Police to look into ‘discrimination’ against medical workers

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-7 will conduct “extensive” investigation on the alleged harassment of and discrimination against medical personnel in Cebu City.

PRO-7 Director Ignatius Ferro made the remark following an incident in which a male nurse was allegedly splashed with chlorinated water by unknown motorcycle riders while on his way home from hospital on Tres de Abril Street, Cebu City.

“We will conduct an extensive investigation so that the perpetrators will face the law,” Ferro told reporters.

“This will be our police guidance to our police officers here in PRO-7. We will extend whatever help to all our health workers,” he added.

Ferro further said that he has already directed Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Colonel Hector Grijaldo Jr. and the intelligence branch to launch the investigation.

The PRO-7 chief also said that they Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has directed the police to also look into reports that health workers were allegedly discriminated against in separate incidents. They were allegedly refused to board public vehicles.

Some health workers also allegedly suffered discrimination in their boarding houses.

“We will ask the different local government units not to renew the permit of these people who were having thes rental houses. This apartelle, I will ask that its owners will be answerable for the discrimination,” Ferro said.

Moreover, Ferro called health workers to approach the police should they be harassed in line with their work.

“This will be my directive to all police officers on the ground, especially at the checkpoints, to provide necessary assistance and support to our health workers,” said Ferro.  KQD (FREEMAN)