PNP looks into death of police frontliner

THE PNP has sought the assistance of the Department of Health for an investigation into the death of a police captain and confinement of two police reservists after inhaling hazardous chemicals at a COVID-19 quarantine facility.

The inhalation occurred on May 24 at the PNP-managed Philippine Sports Arena-Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility during decontamination procedures.

The PNP physician, Capt. Casey Gutierrez, died on May 31 at the Lung Center of the Philippines “due to inhalation injuries.”

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S/Sgt. Steve Rae Salamanca and Cpl. Runie Toledo, both members of the PNP Medical Reserve Force, were treated at the PNP General Hospital.

“The PNP mourns the death of Dr. Casey Gutierrez and I have ordered a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. All efforts must be exerted to ensure that no similar incident happens in the future, “ said said PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa.

Gutierrez, Salamanca and Toledo were all detailed at the PSA-TTMF in Pasig City.

“While performing routine decontamination procedure in the evening of May 24, the team accidentally sprayed concentrated decontamination solution (sodium hypochlorite) that caused irritation and difficulty in breathing,” said PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac.
Other PNP personnel at the facility rushed to administer first aid to the victims, said Banac.

Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, PNP deputy chief for administration and concurrent chief of the Administrative Support to COVID-19 Task Force (ASCOTF), reiterated his appeal to PNP healthcare personnel and frontline medical units “to always be mindful of safety procedures in the workplace by raising awareness to biosafety and chemical hazards.”

Citing information from ASCOTF, Banac said the chemical disinfectant used in in another PNP-managed quarantine facility at the Philippine International Convention Center “is hypoallergenic and biodegradable, and that the PSA-TTMF and PICC have different service providers.”

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