PNP prepares security for fuel subsidy distribution
Published Mar 12, 2026 09:52 am
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered police commanders to coordinate with concerned government agencies to secure the distribution of fuel subsidy in their respective areas of responsibility.
Nartatez issued the order after the Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday the distribution of the P5,000 fuel subsidy next week, the kick-off will be in Metro Manila involving tricycle drivers.
Other public utility vehicle drivers and operators will follow, including those in the provinces.
While the distribution is normally coursed through fuel subsidy cards, there are a number of instances that the subsidy distribution is done manually, especially in the provinces.
This is the part where the police security comes into play, according to the PNP chief.
“It important that coordination is done to prepare all the necessary security measures to ensure fast, smooth and orderly distribution of the cash assistance. The presence of policemen is important in this kind of activity. Our goal has always been the protection and welfare of everybody,” said Nartatez.
Thousands of PUV drivers are expected to benefit from the fuel subsidy, the result of the Middle East conflict that so far jacked up the prices of oil products.
Nartatez said providing security for similar activities is a task the PNP is familiar with, citing past cash distribution, “Our officers are trained to ensure the process is orderly and that every beneficiary is protected.”
He recalled that the PNP undertook a similar role during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which police officers were deployed to secure aid rollouts, ensuring orderly distribution and public safety amid challenging conditions.
To ensure smooth operations, Nartatez tasked the heads of local police offices to properly deploy their personnel at the cash distribution venues.
“This is part of our commitment to fulfill the President’s directive to ensure a fast and smooth delivery of assistance to those affected by this recent economic challenge,” he said.