MAINLA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) started mapping out plans in securing power lines and facilities, even as it assured that enough police personnel will be deployed to protect delivery of power supply all over the country.

What they want to prevent, said PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, is the repeat of several incidents in the past in which communist rebels and rogue groups would bomb, set fire and destroy towers of the National Power Corporation.

“We want to assure the uninterrupted delivery of power supply because we know how serious the effects not only in our economy but to the lives of our people every time there are power outages,” said Bartolome.

“Besides, the government suffered the loss of millions of pesos every time power lines were sabotage by these unscrupulous groups and individuals,” he added.

The designation of the PNP as security provider of power lines is stipulated in the recently-signed agreement between the police and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). The PNP would prioritize the protection of various installations owned by the NGCP that is used in the delivery of power supply all over the country.

During the agreement signing, NGCP Chief Administrative Officer Anthony Almeda said police protection will ensure reliable and efficient distribution of electricity. “The PNP as the security and protection provider will become our partner in giving uninterrupted power supply through the protection of power lines as well as NGCP towers, sub-stations and other facilities,” said Alameda.

“We are happy that they have tapped and partnered with us in giving the services of uninterrupted power supply all-over the country, we assure that we will help them in securing its installations,” said Bartolome, adding the agreement will cover on-site and off-site facilities of NGCP that is deemed vital to the industry and economic growth.