By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte has warned against harming the country’s health workers battling the coronavirus pandemic, saying he has ordered the police to hunt down those behind the attacks and take revenge.
The President has vowed to “support and defend” the health frontliners after hearing reports of harassment and violence against them.
Duterte said he has directed the police to conduct patrols and throw the same chemicals used by the attackers back at them.
“Let this be a warning to all. Follow government at this time because it is really critical that we have order. And do not harm the health workers, the doctors, and everything because that is a serious crime,” he said in a taped public address Wednesday night.
“Sabi ko sa pulis, siguro bawal man ‘yan, pero ako na ang sasagot. Ibuhos mo uli doon sa nagbuhos sa mga doctor, pati nurses. O kung kaya mo, ipainom mo lahat para matapos na ang problema natin.”
(I told the police, even if it is wrong I will take responsibility, pour the liquid over those who attack the doctors and nurses. If you can, make them drink it so our problem is over.)
The President’s warning came following the violent attack against a nurse in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Five suspects reportedly hurled bleach into the nurse’s face while he was on his way to St. Louis Hospital.
Some health workers also reportedly faced harassment while others were forcibly evicted from their homes amid concerns they were suspected carriers of the coronavirus.
In his latest remarks, Duterte lamented the reports of violence against and harassment of health workers. He reminded the culprits that these doctors and nurses will eventually save their lives in the event they get infected with the virus.
“Ito namang isa, itong mga trabahante, mga doktor, mga nurse, health workers, attendants and all, eh hindi makauwi ng bahay, tinatapunan ninyo ng kung ano-anong mga chemicals na nakakasira ng katawan. Mas una silang mamatay kay ‘yung sa pasyente doon sa COVID,” he said.
(The doctors, nurses, health workers, attendants and all cannot go home because you are throwing all sorts of chemicals that are harmful to the body. They will die ahead of patients infected with COVID.)
Refusing to tolerate violence, Duterte told the police to make the rounds and ensure the safety of these frontliners.
“I am ordering the police to go around. Huwag kayong mag-istambay diyan sa istasyon. Maglakad kayo, tandem, at maghanap kayo ng mga taong bastos,” he said. (Don’t stay inside the police station. Go around in tandem and look for these rude persons.)
“At kung mahuli mo, kung ano ‘yung binubuhos niya doon sa health worker o sa doktor, ibuhos mo rin sa kanya para tabla. Eh bakit? Ikaw lang ba ang marunong? ‘Di tikman mo rin ‘yung ginagawa mo and see if it would make you happy.”
(If you catch them, pour the liquid they threw at the health worker or doctor back at them so they’re even. Why? Are you the only smart one here? Then get a taste of what you’re dishing out and see if it would make you happy.)