Question & AnswerQ&A (PNP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2014-034)
The main purpose is to prescribe policies and general procedures for PNP units in handling emerging infectious diseases, assist the Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, enforce quarantines, facilitate the transport of EID patients, and support the effective implementation of Executive Order No. 168.
Executive Order No. 168, dated May 26, 2014.
Emerging diseases are infections that have newly appeared in the population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range.
Level 1 (Pre-Outbreak Incident), Level 2 (human infections detected but no human-to-human spread), Level 3 (small clusters with limited human-to-human transmission but localized), and Level 4 (larger clusters with localized to pandemic spread).
The PNP assists DOH in contact tracing, enforces quarantine laws, secures airports and seaports, transports EID patients, manages traffic flow, secures vital installations, prevents ingress and egress in infected areas, and ensures law and order.
The legal basis is Republic Act No. 9271, also known as the Quarantine Act of 2004.
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Avian Influenza (AH1 N1), and Meningococcemia.
PNP personnel must prioritize their safety, always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during operations, and operate within the existing logistical and financial allocation while observing human rights.
Quarantine is the separation of people who have been exposed to an illness but are not ill or have not yet shown signs of illness, with restricted movements during the incubation period to prevent disease spread.
During post-outbreak, the PNP maintains peace and order, continues security and traffic management operations, and provides security for recovery and rehabilitation efforts.