PNP peacekeeping contingent in Liberia free from Ebola virus


The 30 Filipino police personnel serving as peacekeepers in Liberia have so far been free from the dreaded Ebola virus, which has so far killed over 1,000 in West Africa.

In a statement, the Philippine National Police Directorate for Plans said the peacekeepers are taking precautions against possible infection of the virus. 

It also said the peacekeepers are coordinating with the Department of Health for other preemptive actions, including post-arrival medical examinations for the peacekeepers when they return this month.

PNP Director for Plans Chief Superintendent Alexander Ignacio said the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) contingent commander has instructions to give daily updates on the health of the PNP contingent members.

Ignacio said UNMIL Contingent Commander Superintendent Gerardo Avengoza, was also instructed to give an incident report of Ebola virus directly to the Philippine Embassy in Abuja.

A copy of the report is to be furnished to the Department of Local and Interior Government's National Council for United Nations Peace Operations and the Directorate for Plans.

Advisory

Meanwhile, the PNP said its personnel in Liberia are following the Ebola Advisory (MIS-110/2014) from the Philippine Embassy in Abuja.

Under the advisory and information circular, peacekeeping members are to observe prevention guidelines such as:

- avoiding direct physical contact with infected or deceased persons
- washing hands frequently with soap and water
- other basic precautionary actions

According to the World Health Organization, the death toll from the worst ever outbreak of Ebola has reached 1,013 after another 52 people died in the three days to Aug. 9 in three West African countries.

The WHO said the largest number of reported new deaths were in Liberia, where 29 people died, followed by 17 in Sierra Leone and six in Guinea.

The total number of cases rose to 1,848, it said. —Joel Locsin and Reuters/KBK, GMA News

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