PNP officer dies of COVID-19 after saving her baby

A 31-year-old policewoman in General Santos City died of COVID-19 complications three days after successfully undergoing an emergency cesarean section that saved her baby.

The police investigator tested positive for COVID-19 on August 5 and was initially admitted to a provincial hospital due to difficulty breathing.

She underwent an emergency operation on August 10, resulting in the successful delivery of her baby boy, but her condition worsened thereafter.

She was transferred to another hospital on August 13, where she died before her positive swab test result was released, succumbing to acute respiratory failure.

The policewoman's death marks the 98th fatality within the Philippine National Police due to COVID-19.

The baby is currently under observation and PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has assured sufficient support and assistance for the newborn and the bereaved family.

Eleazar also tasked police commanders to make arrangements so that pregnant personnel can work from home to avoid exposure to COVID-19.