Rationale and Policy Objectives
- Prescribes policies and procedures to guide PNP units at all levels in handling EIDs.
- Establishes authority and defines specific functions of PNP in relation to EID management.
- Aligns PNP efforts with broader government response led by DOH and the Inter-Agency Task Force under EO 168.
Situational Context and Emerging Infectious Diseases Concerned
- Recognizes global emergence of SARS, Avian Influenza, MERS-CoV, Ebola as potential international health emergencies.
- Notes recurrent threats from other diseases (Meningococcemia, Leptospirosis, antimicrobial-resistant Tuberculosis).
- Highlights risks due to globalization and mobility of travelers and goods.
- Emphasizes continuous monitoring, especially of foreigners and OFWs coming from high-risk areas.
Purpose of the Memorandum Circular
- Mandates PNP assistance in enforcing quarantine measures.
- Facilitates transport of EID patients to treatment facilities.
- Supports effective implementation of EO 168 under the Task Force on EIDs.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Contact Tracing: Identification and diagnosis of persons exposed to infected individuals to contain outbreaks.
- Contacts: Persons exposed to a confirmed case through living, working, or caregiving proximity.
- Ebola Virus Disease: A viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted from wild animals and human-to-human.
- Emerging Diseases: Newly identified infections or known infections rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic spread.
- Endemic/Epidemic/Outbreak: Definitions distinguishing constant presence, excess occurrence, and localized outbreaks of disease.
- Levels 1 to 4: Stages of outbreak intensity ranging from pre-outbreak preparedness to pandemic phase.
- PPE: Equipment to prevent infection (masks, goggles, gowns, gloves).
- Quarantine and Isolation: Separation of exposed but asymptomatic individuals and separation of ill persons respectively.
- Reference to RA 9271 (Quarantine Act of 2004).
- Enumeration of specific EIDs covered, including Ebola, MERS-CoV, SARS, Avian Influenza, and others.
Procedures for PNP Response
- Three phase operational plan: Pre-Outbreak (Level 1), During Outbreak (Levels 2 to 4), Post-Outbreak (Recovery & Rehabilitation).
Pre-Outbreak (Level 1):
- Health awareness and PPE introduction.
- Training personnel for EID case management.
- MOA/MOU with pharmaceutical suppliers for emergency medical supplies.
- Procurement of PPE in coordination with DOH.
- Simulation drills and public information campaigns.
- Identification and security of vital installations.
- Coordination with government agencies for evacuation planning.
- Monitoring infected Filipinos abroad and medical examinations of incoming personnel from infected countries.
During Outbreak (Levels 2 to 4):
- Coordination with BI and DOH to track infected and suspected persons.
- Deployment of personnel at airports/seaports.
- Assistance in contact tracing and patient transport.
- Enforcement of quarantine under RA 9271.
- Establishment of checkpoints to control ingress and egress in affected areas.
- Security of vital installations to prevent looting.
- Maintenance of law and order.
Post-Outbreak:
- Continued peace and order maintenance.
- Security and traffic management for recovery operations.
- Protection during rehabilitation efforts.
Guidelines for Implementation
- Adjacent police regions as secondary responders when needed.
- Priority on safety of personnel and proper use of PPE.
- Operations within existing logistical and financial resources; national HQ support as needed.
- Mandatory timely reporting of police operations related to EID.
- Emphasis on lowest level response, escalation only when necessary.
- Strict observance of human rights in all operations.
- Clear assertion of authority during resistance from suspected infected individuals.
- Coordination with civil government, private organizations, and Task Force on EID encouraged.
Rescission and Effectivity
- Repeals inconsistent prior issuances or memoranda.
- Effective 15 days from filing at the University of the Philippines Law Center in accordance with EO 292 (Revised Administrative Code of 1987).