DILG allows PNP, BJMP, BFP personnel to wear light uniforms amid extreme heat

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has allowed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to wear light uniforms while on duty amid the heat index reaching dangerous levels in many parts of the country.

At a Saturday news forum, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos read a DILG urgent memorandum directing the chiefs of the three agencies to issue the respective advisories on the uniform attire.

"In view of the foregoing, you are hereby directed to issue an Urgent Advisory for all PNP, BJMP and BFP personnel to wear light uniforms in the performance of their respective duties to alleviate discomfort and protect them from illnesses such as heat cramps, exhaustion, heat stroke, among others, due to extreme heat," the memorandum read.

Prior to the DILG order, the BJMP had already issued a memorandum earlier this week on the modified schedule of wearing uniforms during the summer, allowing its personnel to use its gray shirts from Tuesdays to Fridays.

In a statement released by the DILG, Abalos said that, "The welfare of our uniformed personnel comes first especially as they perform their sworn duty." Wear of light and comfortable uniforms amid the sweltering heat, Abalos said, "is the way to go."

"The tri-bureau’s line of work already poses a lot of risks, now coupled with the hazards of extreme heat temperature kaya kailangan din natin protektahan ang ating uniformed personnel from the PNP, BFP and BJMP," Abalos said.

(The tri-bureau’s line of work already poses a lot of risks, now coupled with the hazards of extreme heat temperature. That's why we also need to protect the uniformed personnel from the PNP, BFP and BJMP.)

PAGASA has predicted that the heat index may reach dangerous levels in 44 areas on Saturday, April 27.

The heat index in Metro Manila was expected to breach the danger range of 42°C to 51°C, based on forecasts at monitoring sites. It was forecast to hit 43°C at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City and 42°C at the Science Garden in Quezon City.

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

According to PAGASA, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

Due to extreme heat, face-to-face classes have been suspended in several areas in the country. — VDV, GMA Integrated News