PNP prepares security measures for UPLIFT cash aid distribution
NARTATEZ (PNP FB)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now preparing the security measures for the manual distribution of cash assistance for qualified beneficiaries across the country starting this week.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said he already directed all concerned police units to strengthen the deployment of personnel at cash aid distribution sites to maintain peace and order and help facilitate the payout process.
“The priority is not only to ensure peace and order but to give all the beneficiaries the peace of mind that in cases of emergencies and other eventuality, their PNP would be there to assist them,” said Nartatez.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the expanded Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program is the next phase of financial assistance for citizens amid the renewed conflict in the Middle East.
The program covers three groups of beneficiaries: the 3.5 million households under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA) Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), and 1.5 million low-income members of the Social Security System (SSS).
Nartatez said the PNP has a security protocol on this kind of activity due to the local police involvement in cash assistance and fuel subsidy distribution across the country.
He said local commanders were tasked to conduct real-time security adjustment and likewise regularly update their intelligence gathering pertaining to security and peace and order aspects.
He added that the police commanders should also prepare for other non-security related matters such as medical emergency.
“The PNP will also work closely with local government units to ensure the smooth implementation of the program in every distribution area,’ said Nartatez.