PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has renewed a deal with officials of the Chinese General Hospital (CGH) regarding the free comprehensive medical attention of policemen injured in the line of duty.

The top cop inked the memorandum of agreement with leaders of the Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI) led by its chairman of the board Mr. Antonio Tan at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.

The ceremony was graced by Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. Also present were CGHMC president and chief executive officer Kelly Sia, Manila Police District director, Brigadier Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, Quezon City Police District director, Brig. Gen. Redrico A. Maranan and Northern Police District director, Brig. Gen. Rizalito G. Gapas.

Gen. Marbil highlighted the significance of the PNP-PCCAI partnership in ensuring the welfare of police officers.

He cited for one the case of the four MPD policemen who were wounded in a gunbattle with murder and drug trafficking suspect in Tondo, Manila last July 11

The suspect fired shots at the Manila policemen hitting four officers before he and a cohort were shot dead.

The MOA includes provisions for the PCCAI to provide preliminary medical aid and treatment at the CGHMC to all police personnel assigned in Metro Manila who sustain injuries in the line of duty and are transported there by the PNP.

The hospital will offer diagnosis, treatment, surgery, major operations, and access to medical equipment and facilities from admission to discharge.

Recovered PNP uniformed personnel will be discharged free of charge upon presentation of proof of “line of duty” status and active PNP membership with the bill not exceeding P1 million.

Any additional costs will be covered by the patient or the PNP uniformed personnel.

Gen. Marbil expressed his profound gratitude to the PCCAI and CGHMC officials for their continuing support to the national police force.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to the Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, for their unwavering support and generosity.

Your continued partnership exemplifies the best of public-private collaboration, and it sets a remarkable precedent for how different sectors can come together to address the needs of our community,” he said.

Officials said the renewed partnership underscores the shared commitment of the PNP and PCCAI to safeguard the health and safety of police personnel, fostering a more resilient community through dedicated service and support.

The PCCAI, which owns and operates the CGHMC, says that police personnel who are engaged in actual police operations or during hot pursuit of enemies of the state, violators of laws, and organized crime syndicates, shall be covered by the privilege.

Police officers, who are in performance of official duties from the time he left his or her residence to report for work and perform his/her official functions at the designated place of assignment can also avail of the treatment without any charges.

Excluded from the agreement were those injured or wounded outside the scope of official police function such as drinking spree or injuries brought by heated altercation; injured due to intentional acts, misconduct, vicious, immoral, or illegal acts; and injured while on official leave of absence except when the police officer is called upon to perform official functions.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon