Article by:
Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday expressed readiness to provide security for the distribution of fuel subsidies to drivers and operators affected by rising prices.
"The presence of policemen is important in this kind of activity," PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
"Our goal has always been the protection and welfare of everybody."
Nartatez directed territorial unit commanders to coordinate with concerned government agencies for the subsidy distribution.
The government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), will begin distributing PHP5,000 in subsidies next week, starting in Metro Manila and later in the provinces.
The DOTr said it will work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local government units for the rollout.
While subsidies are usually distributed through fuel subsidy cards, some areas — especially in the provinces — still conduct manual payouts.
Nartatez stressed the need for coordination to ensure fast, smooth, and orderly cash distribution.
He said securing such activities is familiar work for the PNP, citing past cash aid distributions.
"Our officers are trained to ensure the process is orderly and that every beneficiary is protected," Nartatez said, recalling similar deployments during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to secure aid rollouts.
To ensure smooth operations, Nartatez directed local police chiefs to properly deploy personnel at distribution venues, following the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to support public utility drivers affected by oil price hikes. (PNA)
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