Police warned against the hoarding of medical equipment and supplies such as oxygen tanks used in treating patients and urged the public to report such incidents.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases, Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said the police will continue to be on the lookout for persons who hoard medical equipment at this time of health crisis.

“Patuloy na magbabantay ang PNP upang maiwasan ang hoarding ng oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies (The PNP will continue to be vigilant to prevent hoarding of oxygen tanks and other medical equipment and supplies),” he said in a statement.

Eleazar called on the public to report information on hoarding of medical equipment and supplies by some unscrupulous individuals.

“Mahalaga ang oxygen tanks at iba pang medical equipment at supplies ngayong nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya kaya’t sana magkaroon tayo ng malasakit sa ating kapwa lalo na sa mga mas nangangailangan ng mga ito (Oxygen tanks and other medical equipment and supplies are important now that we are in the midst of a pandemic so hopefully we will care for persons especially those who need them the most),” Eleazar said.

Earlier, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said there is currently no shortage on the supply of medical grade oxygen but urged the public not to hoard oxygen tanks at home so that the supply could circulate and avert a shortage. (PNA)