The Philippine National Police (PNP) has committed to reinforce its operational capabilities to ensure that law enforcement services remain continuous despite the threat of power shortages in off-grid provinces.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said all regional and provincial directors were already instructed to secure their energy requirements immediately after the National Power Corporation (Napocor) warned that a diesel shortage could cause rotational brownouts in areas not connected to the main power grid.

“Our priority is operational readiness that’s why I have directed all regional and provincial directors to maximize their fuel reserves and ensure that backup power systems are functional,” Nartatez said.

Napocor’s diesel supply issues primarily affected the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) plants which serve remote islands and mountainous regions.

To mitigate security risks, Nartatez instructed local commanders to verify that all generator sets were in peak condition. He also mandated that emergency hotlines and command systems utilize dedicated backup power to prevent any service interruptions.

“We have contingency measures in place. Our patrol operations continue and we will adjust deployment schedules, use mobile lighting, and ensure communication lines remain active for continuous response,” he explained.

Operational plans included the adjustment of night patrol schedules to coincide with power interruptions in high-risk zones.

Nartatez directed units to strengthen satellite or alternative communication links in isolated areas to keep local police units connected to the national headquarters even during total blackouts.