Govt vows to protect health workers from harm amid COVID-19

The national government, through Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, has vowed to protect health workers from harm and discrimination amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Nograles expressed dismay over recent violent attacks against health frontliners in Cebu and Sultan Kudarat.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been directed to provide full assistance and security to medical staff and to prosecute those who harm them.

PNP personnel are instructed to escort health workers to their hospitals and provide them with necessary assistance at Quarantine Control Stations.

The government acknowledges its debt to health workers, referring to them as heroes and the last line of defense against COVID-19.

To support health workers, the government has provided dedicated bus routes in Metro Manila and deployed vehicles nationwide for their transportation.

President Duterte also expressed his gratitude to all frontliners, including health workers, recognizing their immeasurable efforts and sacrifices.

Duterte specifically lauded health workers who lost their lives to COVID-19, stating they died serving the country.