Western Mindanao cop dies due to COVID-19; PNP death toll now at 124

The death toll due to COVID-19 among the personnel of the Philippine National Police increased to 124 on Monday after a police officer in Western Mindanao died due to the disease.

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said the 35-year-old cop died on October 17 due to respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19, which was confirmed and reported over the weekend.

His medical records showed that the cop had mild symptoms of COVID-19 on October 3 and relied on traditional medication, according to the PNP.

On October 13, his symptoms continued. His superior asked him to seek medical attention and go to hospital but, the PNP said, his family refused.

On October 14, the family agreed to take the cop to hospital, where he got a rapid antigen test. The police officer tested positive for COVID-19.

The cop was pronounced dead by his attending physician on October 17.

Eleazar expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.

The PNP reported six more cases of COVID-19 among its personnel, bringing the total number to 42,022. At least 41,598 have already recovered from the disease, while 300 are still active cases.

Around 90.76% or 203,588 of PNP personnel are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 while 7.89% or 17,692 personnel have received their first dose.

Around 1.35% or 3,032 personnel have yet to be vaccinated, according to the PNP. — DVM, GMA News