Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all chiefs of police and unit commanders to make security adjustments in dealing with trucks and delivery vehicles at the checkpoints in order to keep food and agricultural goods moving without delay.

Nartatez’s order came in response to the instruction of Malacañang to remove unnecessary checkpoints that delay travel and add to fuel consumption as the global tensions linked to the Middle East crisis continue to affect supply routes and fuel prices.

Malacañang emphasized the need to shorten the time it takes for agricultural goods to reach markets, especially amid rising logistics pressures as there were concerns raised over extended inspections that affect deliveries of vegetables, rice, meat, and other perishable goods.

These delays have been linked to spoilage risks and added costs for farmers and traders.

In response, Nartatez said police units have been directed to prioritize the swift passage of trucks carrying essential goods amid reports of unnecessary stops at checkpoints slowing down delivery times and increasing transport costs for perishable products.

“Our chiefs of police and unit commanders were already instructed to conduct security adjustments in dealing with trucks carrying food or agricultural products in checkpoints without sacrificing our law enforcement mandate,” said Nartatez.

He said police forces will maintain coordination with local government units and other enforcement agencies to ensure that regulations remain in place while avoiding disruption to essential transport.

“Amid the challenging situations that our country is experiencing, our personnel on the ground stationed in checkpoints will ensure that the flow of goods will be unhampered and uninterrupted,” Nartatez responded.

Despite the directive to ease passage for food carriers, he assured that its campaign against smuggled goods will remain firm.

Nartatez said checkpoint operations will continue to support law enforcement objectives without compromising the movement of legitimate cargo.

He said police units have been reminded to exercise judgment at checkpoints, “They are expected to distinguish between enforcement priorities and the need to keep supply chains stable during ongoing external economic pressures.”