PNP tightens security in energy facilities

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ramped up measures to secure key energy facilities, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a national energy emergency.

“We in the Philippine National Police will focus on securing critical energy facilities and in maintaining peace and order. Additional personnel will be deployed in key areas to prevent any disruption or exploitation of the situation,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Wednesday.

The PNP chief emphasized the need to protect substations, transmission lines and power plants, citing these as vulnerable to security risks during power shortages.

“We will maintain a strong presence in gas stations and energy plants to ensure that there will be no supply disruption,” he added.

Nartatez also highlighted measures to keep PNP operations running despite the current situation.

“Police forces nationwide are on heightened readiness to secure key installations, critical infrastructure, and communities. The PNP will monitor and address any activities that may disrupt public order, assuring the public of its full capability to protect every Filipino,” said Nartatez.

“We have contingency measures in place, including backup power systems in stations. Tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo ng pulisya — hindi tayo titigil kahit may (Police service continues — we will not stop even if there are) power interruptions. Our frontlines will remain open 24/7. Kahit may energy emergency, hindi titigil ang serbisyo ng PNP (Even if there is an energy emergency, PNP services will not stop),” he stressed.

On Tuesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 110, introducing the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) to assist sectors affected by rising fuel costs and global supply disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict.

EO 110 activates a whole-of-government response to ensure energy supply stability, protect vulnerable sectors and maintain public service.

Disruptions in critical supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, may constrain global fuel supply and trigger price volatility, posing risks to the country’s energy security, according to EO 110.

Marcos stressed the need to declare a state of national energy emergency to enable the government, through the Department of Energy (DOE) and other relevant agencies, to implement coordinated measures to ensure stable and adequate energy supply while mitigating economic impacts.

Meanwhile, the PNP reminded citizens to take simple precautions during potential brownouts.

Nartatez said homeowners must lock their doors at all times and refrain from leaving lighted candles unattended.

"Magsasagawa rin tayo ng increased night patrols sa mga apektadong komunidad para iwasan ang anumang krimen (We will also conduct increased night patrols in affected communities to prevent any crime),” Nartatez said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also said expressed support to the government's move amid soaring oil prices due to the Middle East conflict.

"Emergency. While the Department of National Defense is not among the agencies directly tasked in the implementing committee, we recognize that this development has a direct bearing on our mandate to help ensure energy security, national stability, and the overall welfare of the Filipino people," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reporters.

"The AFP remains ready to provide assistance when directed, with our forces on standby to augment efforts in critical infrastructure protection, logistics and transport of essential goods, engineering support, and rapid response operations, particularly in vulnerable and geographically isolated areas," she added.

Likewise, Padilla said the AFP remains committed to reinforcing a whole-of-nation approach in safeguarding national resilience following this crisis. (PNA)