After leptospirosis kills cop, Mandaue police strengthens safety measures

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) is strengthening measures to protect police personnel deployed to flooded areas following the death of a police officer from leptospirosis.

Police Lieutenant Col. Francis Renz Talosig, commander of the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), said officers are being reminded to take preventive measures when responding amid floods, including taking medicine after exposure to floodwater.

Talosig said the CMFC is also coordinating with the regional unit and the city government to strengthen preventive measures for personnel, including ensuring the availability of medication for leptospirosis.

Sudden death

The move followed the death of Patrolman Francis Bocade, 25 years old, on August 9. Bocade, who had been in the police service for about two years, was assigned to a border control checkpoint in Innodata, Barangay Subangdaku, in Mandaue City. He and other police personnel also assisted residents in crossing flooded areas and provided other forms of assistance.

Talosig said Bocade’s laboratory test results indicated that he had a viral infection of leptospirosis and dengue.

“Mao man ila trabaho, wala sad siya magduha-duha og tabang nisulong siya baha. Wala siguro siya kabantay nga naa siyay samad unya nisulod ang kagaw,” said Talosig.

(That was their job. He did not hesitate to wade into the flood. Perhaps he did not know that he had a cut through which the virus came in.)

READ: Enough leptospirosis medicine available in Mandaue

Talosig said the police organization was saddened by Bocade’s death, describing it as sudden and unexpected. He said exposure to floodwater was among the possible factors that may have contributed to his illness, given the nature of Bocade’s duties in a flood-prone area.

Gear sometimes insufficient

Talosig said police personnel responding to floods are provided with boots and protective equipment. However, he acknowledged that the equipment may not be enough when floodwaters rise above the level of their protective gear.

He added that MCPO Director Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr. has always instructed personnel who wade into floodwaters to take preventive measures and medicine to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

Help for the bereaved

Following the incident, CMFC personnel, led by Talosig, visited Bocade’s wake and paid their respects to his family in Barangay Calipayan, Dagami, Leyte. They also extended the financial assistance to the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, City Health Office official Dr. Debra Maria Catulong said the city has medicine available for responders exposed to floodwaters.

“Mohatag gyud ta sa tanan frontliners, CDRRMO, responders even police, tanan libre. Mosangpit lang gyud sa city health office para pagcoordinate sa pagdistribute sa prophylactic medicines ug dosaging,” said Catulong.

(We give medicine to frontliners for freee. They only need to ask for help from the city health office so we may coordinate distribution.)

Catulong also urged residents who have been exposed to dirty water or floodwater to seek medical attention at their barangay health centers or the City Health Office, where they may be assessed and given the proper dose of doxycycline when needed.

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