Doctors’ Group Hits AFP, DOH Execs for Visiting Quarantined Peacekeepers

The Philippine College of Physicians has criticized military and health officials’ for visiting peacekeepers from Ebola-hit Liberia at their quarantine facilities in Caballo Island over the weekend.

Dr. Anthony Leachon of the Philippine College of Physicians said families of the Filipino peacekeepers under the 21-day quarantine might ask why are they not allowed to visit their relatives on the island, according to a 24 Oras report on Monday.

“This is a serious concern,” Leachon said.

“One Ebola can actually decrease our GDP. It has economic, business and tourism impact. Baka maapektuhan din ang pagdating ng Santo Papa,” he further noted.

AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., AFP spokesman Harold Cabunoc, DOH Acting Secretary Janette Garin, and DOH Spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy went to the island without wearing protective equipment.

“Hindi nakakahawa ang Ebola pag wala pang sintomas ang pasyente pero kailangan ang maigting na pagbabantay,” Garin said.

Catapang indicated that the acting health secretary was the one setting the safety protocols.

“We are not violating anything,” Catapang said.

(Source: Kathryn Tubadeza/NB, GMA News)