TARLAC CITY (PIA) — Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed about 400 personnel to provide security to the Filipino repatriates from the M/V Diamond Princess currently serving a 14-day quarantine at New Clark City in Capas town.
Police Regional Director PBGen Rhodel Sermonia said PNP personnel wearing protective mask were already securing the quarantine area starting Monday night.
“We are always ready to help during health crisis and would always abide to orders but will only act depend on the disposition of the Department of Health (DOH),” he said.
The official furthered that all deployed personnel were instructed to observe maximum tolerance while being alert and vigilant to ensure public order and safety and prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the situation.
Out of the 445 repatriated Overseas Filipinos (OFs) from M/V Diamond Princess, 440 are crew members and 5 are tourists. They are currently quarantined together with 13 repatriation team members from DOH and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), bringing the total number to 458.
Earlier, a total of 49 individuals composed of 30 OFs from Wuhan, China; 5 DOH medical team members; 5 DFA response team members; 6 plane crew; and 3 ground personnel completed their 14-day quarantine period with zero infections and zero mortality.
DOH, together with Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, will be taking charge of the management, coordination and logistics of the entire quarantine process.