The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered intensified patrol operations across the country as rotational brownouts sparked concerns over possible crimes in areas affected by nighttime power interruptions.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said regional and provincial police directors have been directed to strengthen foot and mobile patrols in residential communities, commercial centers, transport areas, and other high-traffic locations during scheduled outages.
The move came after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) raised a red alert and Meralco implemented rotational brownouts, prompting authorities to adopt preventive security measures in affected areas.
“I have already directed all Regional and Provincial Directors to intensify foot and mobile patrols specifically in residential and commercial hubs during the scheduled power interruptions at night,” Nartatez said.
He said police visibility would be crucial in deterring theft, burglary, robbery, and other street-level crimes that may occur during prolonged periods of low visibility.
“Darkness must not be an invitation for akyat-bahay or street-level crimes. Our personnel are instructed to utilize high-visibility tactics, including the use of blinkers and searchlights, to let the community know that the police are present and vigilant even when the lights are out,” he added.
Nartatez said the heightened security posture is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure public safety and welfare during challenging situations.
The PNP will also tap Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams to support local police personnel as additional “eyes and ears” on the ground. Police units were instructed to coordinate closely with barangay officials and local government units to reinforce community watch systems, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods and major transit corridors.
“We are also mobilizing our Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams to act as additional eyes and ears on the ground. The synergy between the PNP and local community watchmen is crucial in maintaining a crime-free environment during these manual load-dropping events,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief assured the public that emergency hotlines, including Unified 911, and police command centers would remain operational through backup power systems to ensure uninterrupted response during outages.
Emergency response teams will also remain on standby with alternative power sources to maintain communication lines and rapid deployment capability.
“The public can expect a heightened police presence at critical transit points and areas with high foot traffic,” Nartatez said.
“We are committed to ensuring that the power crisis does not translate into a security crisis. Your safety is our non-negotiable priority,” he added.