The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public to avoid hoarding medical equipment and supplies, particularly oxygen tanks, as the country experiences a spike in 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) cases.
"Sa gitna ng pagdami ng COVID-19 cases sa bansa, ang PNP ay nagpapaalala sa publiko na iwasan ang paghoard ng oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies," PNP chief PGen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.
“Patuloy na magbabantay ang PNP upang maiwasan ang hoarding ng oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies," he added.
The PNP chief also urged the public to report any information regarding individuals who hoard medical equipment and supplies amidst the health crisis experienced by the Philippines.
Eleazar said that the PNP will closely coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the issue.
"Mahalaga ang oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies ngayong nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya kaya’t sana magkaroon tayo ng malasakit sa ating kapwa lalo na sa mga mas nangangailangan ng mga ito," Eleazar stressed.
Department of Health Sec. Francisco Duque III earlier assured that the Philippines has enough supply of medical grade oxygen.
