Philippines (CNN) The Philippines central government has informed local police units to assist and escort all health workers to medical facilities, following reports of attacks, according to state-run media agency Philippines News Agency (PNA).
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said threatening the safety of health workers amid the health crisis is “unacceptable,” at a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
“Despite all the support and love our country has shown our health workers, it is unfortunate that we have received reports that these front-liners have come under attack,” Nograles said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa has directed police to provide assistance and security to health workers in the wake of attacks in the southern provinces of Cebu and Sultan Kudarat.
“The PNP is committed to apply the full might of the law against those who dare to harm our health workers — and will do whatever it takes to protect them from crime, violence, and any form of oppression and discrimination,” Gamboa said.
PNA reported that on March 27, a male nurse was reportedly splashed with chlorine while walking in Cebu City.
On the same day, a front-liner in a hospital in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat was attacked by a group of five who splattered bleach all over his face, according to PNA.
