The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the public that police operations will continue uninterrupted despite the possibility of rotational brownouts in some remote areas due to limited diesel supply.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said regional and provincial directors have been directed to strengthen operational readiness and ensure that field units remain fully functional even during power disruptions.
The warning follows an advisory from Jericho Nograles of the National Power Corporation, which indicated the possibility of rotational power interruptions in isolated communities served by Small Power Utilities.
These areas include off-grid islands and remote locations that rely heavily on diesel-powered generating facilities.
Nartatez said the PNP has already instructed its units to maximize fuel reserves and check backup power systems in anticipation of possible outages.
“Our priority is operational readiness. We have directed all regional and provincial directors to ensure fuel supply is sufficient and backup systems are operational,” he said.
He acknowledged that power interruptions could affect police field operations, particularly in surveillance, communication, and emergency response activities in affected areas.
To mitigate these challenges, Nartatez ordered intensified night patrols during brownouts and the use of mobile lighting systems to maintain visibility and security presence.
“We will not stop our patrol operations. We will adjust deployment schedules, deploy mobile lighting, and ensure that communication lines remain active,” he said.
The PNP chief also emphasized the need to strengthen satellite and alternative communication systems to ensure continuous coordination between local police units and national headquarters, even in areas experiencing power outages.
Authorities said these measures aim to maintain peace and order operations in vulnerable communities while addressing the expected impact of energy shortages.