Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up operational readiness in off-grid provinces to ensure continuous law enforcement amid potential diesel shortages and predicted rotational power outages.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday ordered all regional and provincial directors to immediately secure fuel supplies and ensure that backup power systems are fully operational, following a warning from the National Power Corporation (Napocor). Napocor earlier said the diesel supply issue may affect plants under its Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG), which serves remote islands and mountainous communities.

Gen. Nartatez emphasized the importance of operational readiness and instructed all regional and provincial directors to maximize their fuel reserves and ensure that backup power systems are functional. He highlighted the necessity of inspecting and maintaining generator sets, and ensuring that emergency hotlines and command centers are powered by backup systems to prevent service disruptions.

He acknowledged that police visibility and nighttime operations might be impacted but assured the public that contingency measures are in place. The PNP chief stated that patrol operations would continue, with adjustments made to deployment schedules, use of mobile lighting, and maintenance of communication lines to ensure a continuous response.

The PNP has also revised night patrol schedules in high-risk areas and enhanced satellite and alternative communication systems to maintain connectivity between remote units and headquarters during power outages.