Mayor Sara Duterte has warned people that they would be arrested if they discriminate and assault healthcare workers.
In an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio, she said that they received reports of harassments and discrimination against the frontliners.
For example, one incident involved a patient dousing water on one healthcare staff. Another incident involved verbal abuse where the frontliners were yelled at and called as “virus.”
“These healthworkers are our frontliners who are battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city. You should give utmost respect to them because without them we will all be miserable,” she said.
She said the police are instructed to arrest anyone who will violate any of the rules under the community quarantine. They are also told to book anyone who for verbal and physical abuse on frontliners.
“There are people like that. You better watch out, or the police will arrest you. There are already many arrested individuals because of their irresponsible actions,” she said.
She reminded the public that healthcare workers–doctors, nurses, medical technicians, nursing aides, and even security guards–must be treated with the utmost respect.
