Police on heightened readiness after national energy emergency declaration
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Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered intensified security measures in key energy facilities after President Marcos declared a national energy emergency as a result of the Middle East tensions.
“We in the Philippine National Police will focus on securing critical energy facilities and in maintaining peace and order. Additional personnel will be deployed in key areas to prevent any disruption or exploitation of the situation,” said Nartatez.
On Tuesday, March 24, Marcos signed Executive Order No. 110, declaring a state of national energy emergency in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has impacted the "availability and stability" of the country's energy supply.
The EO cited "imminent danger" on the country’s energy supply amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The declaration of a state of national energy emergency, according to the EO, will enable the government to implement responsive and coordinated measures to address the risks posed by disruptions in the global energy supply and domestic economy.
On the part of the PNP, Nartatez assured the public that police forces are on alert to prevent any disruption or exploitation of the situation.
He said part of the security measures the protection of substations, transmission lines, and power plants as potential vulnerabilities during power shortages.
“We will maintain a strong presence in gas stations and energy plants to ensure that there will be no supply disruption,” he said.
Nartatez also highlighted measures to keep PNP operations running despite the energy crisis, “We have contingency measures in place, including backup power systems in stations.”
He said police forces nationwide are on heightened readiness to secure key installations, critical infrastructure, and communities.
“The PNP will monitor and address any activities that may disrupt public order, assuring the public of its full capability to protect every Filipino.We call on everyone to stay informed, remain cooperative, and practice responsible energy use,” Nartatez said.