Ensure welfare of cops during 'summer' deployment, Nartatez tells PNP commanders
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered chiefs of police and unit commanders to review the protocol on beat patrol to ensure the welfare of personnel on the ground following the launching of nationwide security measures for the summer vacation.
Nartatez is particularly mindful of the heat index amid concerns of drastic changes in weather condition, saying this and the health condition of ground personnel should be factored in during the deployment for the “Oplan Ligtas SumVac 2026” to secure tourist spots and other areas that are directly exposed to the scorching heat of the sun.
“While we commit to the protection and safety of all our kababayan for all activities during the summer, we also have to look after the welfare of all our personnel who will be tasked to secure them,” said Nartatez.
“We have to strike that balance to ensure smooth implementation of security measures for the welfare of everybody,” he added.
This is the part, he said, where the regular physical fitness and medical tests are strictly monitored to ensure that those who would be deployed on the ground are always ready to face the rigors of beat patrol and police visibility during summer time.
Experts have been noting changes in weather conditions due to climate change, which prompted modifications in ground deployment duties.
‘SUMVAC 2026’
Nartatez said the Ligtas SUMVAC 2026 is a nationwide security operation to ensure public safety during the summer vacation.
He said the security plan will run from March 29 to May 31, to ensure the safety of travelers during Holy Week, summer, and other major holidays including Philippine Veterans Week, Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, and Flores de Mayo.
“Our security plan focuses on heightened police visibility, strategic deployment in transport hubs, tourist destinations, and pilgrimage sites, as well as close coordination with local government units and other agencies,” he said.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño said that the security measures include strategic positioning will cover highways, transport hubs, tourist destinations, and other key areas to guarantee public safety and swift police response.
For instance, he said Highway Patrol Group will position road safety marshals along major thoroughfares and inspect bus terminals while Police Regional Offices will intensify mobile patrols and maintain maximum visibility in transport terminals and other key public areas.
Tuaño said motorist Assistance Centers will be established along major highways, with Police Assistance Desks in churches, airports, seaports, bus terminals, and other strategic locations.
Meanwhile, he said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group will intensify cyber patrolling to monitor and prevent online scams, particularly fraudulent travel and accommodation offers targeting vacationers.