PNP chief Eleazar gets first COVID-19 vaccine dose

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, marking the start of inoculation for the A4 priority group within the PNP.

Eleazar stated that he wants to show the PNP that available vaccines are safe and effective, as they are all approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

He also emphasized that being vaccinated will allow them to better perform their duties as front-liners in enforcing the law and protecting the public.

The PNP received 500 doses of the Sinovac CoronaVac vaccine for the initial rollout, prioritizing the Command Group, senior police officers, and specific units.

Other members of the PNP Command Group who also received the jabs were deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Joselito Veracruz, and deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson.

Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Maria Francia Laxamana administered the vaccine to Eleazar.

Prior to the A4 group's vaccination, approximately 18,320 police officers from the A1, A2, and A3 categories had already been vaccinated.

Eleazar noted that 92.76% of the PNP's 220,000 personnel are willing to be vaccinated, though over 15,000 still express hesitation.