The Philippine National Police (PNP) has so far transported more than 22,000 individuals through its Libreng Sakay program since the start of community quarantine measures amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Based on its latest data as of Wednesday, a total of 22,461 stranded health workers and commuters were given free rides since March 19 in 12 routes using 12 buses and troop carriers to and from the pickup and drop-off points within Metro Manila and nearby areas.
Physical distancing is strictly observed during loading and unloading of passengers by reducing its load capacity to 50 percent and disinfection is being conducted before and after every trip.
The Libreng Sakay is operational daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Inquiries on the program may be coursed through the new PNP Helpline 16677.
PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa, meanwhile, reminded police personnel to extend the utmost courtesy and all forms of assistance to commuters.
He also reminded those manning various checkpoints and quarantine control points (QCPs) to adhere to the PNP’s ethical standards and be courteous, especially when dealing with female and elderly people.
“This is a fair warning to all the Regional Directors and their personnel on QCPs, if we continue to receive reports about being rude and impolite, I will not tolerate it and you shall be dealt with accordingly,” Gamboa said in a statement.
The command was released to all police regional directors thru the Directorate for Operations.
Meanwhile, the PNP also reported 39 more Covid-19 cases among its ranks, bringing the total tally to 981.
Out of this number, 35 are from the National Capital Region Police Office, two from Police Regional Office in Calabarzon (POR-4A), and one each from PRO-7 (Central Visayas) and PRO Cordillera.
The latest data from the PNP Health Service as of Wednesday showed the figure represents 2.1 percent of the total number of cases nationwide recorded by the Department of Health.
A total of 429 personnel have recovered from the disease while the death toll stands at nine.
Out of the 543 active cases in the PNP, 476 are in quarantine facilities, 23 are admitted in hospitals, and 44 are undergoing home quarantine.
The PNP Health Service is also monitoring 659 probable cases and 1,258 suspected cases. (PNA)
