PNP: Energy-saving initiatives won't affect police operations

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday vowed that its police operations and frontline services won’t be affected by its energy conservation measures due to recent surges in oil prices. 

In a statement, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said its police force remains ready to protect the country’s communities even with its cost-cutting initiatives.

He assured that the implementation of these protocols will not in any way affect police operations and frontline services.

“Gusto naming iparating sa publiko na ang mga hakbang na ito ay hindi makakaapekto sa ating police operations (We want to inform the public that these steps will not affect our police operations). Our personnel remain on duty 24/7 to protect our communities,” he said.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating serbisyo (Our services will continue) – what we are improving is how we manage our resources so that we can operate more efficiently as an organization,” Nartatez added.

The PNP national headquarters issued a memorandum that directed all police units to “sustain and further reinforce practical measures aimed at reducing electricity and fuel consumption while ensuring that police services remain fully operational at all times.”

Among the energy conservation measures outlined in the memorandum are:

• Switching off non-essential lights and electrical equipment during lunch breaks and after office hours
• Setting air-conditioning units to a standard temperature of 24°C
• Maximizing natural lighting and ventilation whenever possible, and
• Encouraging the use of virtual meetings when practical.

The PNP also limited the use of its elevators to senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to reduce energy consumption.

The PNP memorandum also advised these fuel conservation measures:

• Limiting official travel to essential activities
• Consolidating trips to maximize the use of government vehicles
• Avoiding unnecessary engine idling, and
• Strengthening regular vehicle maintenance to ensure efficiency.

Earlier, the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) prescribed energy conservation measures in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government offices to save energy resources amid the Middle East conflict.

Following Marcos’ order, the PNP said it will observe energy-saving measures such as rationalized deployment and reduced non-essential travel of its personnel.

“Ang PNP ay bahagi ng buong pamahalaan sa pagtitiyak na nagagamit nang maayos ang ating mga resources (The PNP is part of the government in ensuring that we use our resources wisely),” Nartatez said.

“Simple measures like turning off unused equipment, managing electricity consumption, and planning official travel wisely can make a meaningful difference in conserving energy and public funds,” he said. — JMA, GMA Integrated News