Amid the scorching heat of the sun, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has approved the recommendation for its mobile patrol personnel to wear light uniforms as part of the measures to protect them from harmful effects of extreme heat exposure.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the recommendation is just awaiting the signature of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Fransciso Marbil: “One it is signed, hopefully this week it would be implemented.”
Various government agencies have already implemented measures to protect their personnel doing field work. On the part of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for instance, it gave at least a 30 minutes break to their enforcers on the ground.
The PNP, for its part, said it has been sending medical personnel on the ground to check the health condition of policemen on the ground.
Weather experts said the Philippines will experience the El Niño effects at least until the middle of May this year.
The heat index, it was recalled, has repeatedly forced the Department of Education and the local government units to suspend classes to protect both the teachers and the students.
Earlier, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos issued a memorandum urging the PNP, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Bureau of Fire Protection to issue an advisory for all its personnel to wear light uniforms in the performance of their respective duties.
“The welfare of our uniformed personnel comes first especially as they perform their sworn duty. Kaya sa gitna nang sobrang init sa ating bansa, wearing of light and comfortable uniforms is the way to go,” he said.