Some local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan have reduced fuel allocations for police mobile units by as much as 50 percent, forcing authorities to adjust operations to maintain patrol presence amid tighter budgets.

Police officials said the cuts have affected mobility in several areas, though other LGUs have maintained full fuel support for local police stations.

In Mangaldan, police said their operations remain stable as fuel allocation was not reduced. The station operates three patrol vehicles and four motorcycles.

Authorities said strict monitoring is in place to ensure fuel is used only for official police work. Each vehicle movement requires a trip ticket, while longer travels to provincial or regional offices need a travel order.

“Dito sa Mangaldan hindi nabawasan ang gasoline allocation natin, talagang inaayos namin ‘yung travel na hindi masasayang,” PMaj. Rodrigo Lubiano Jr., deputy chief of the Mangaldan Police Station, said.

The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) confirmed that several LGUs in the province reduced police fuel allocations, with some cutting as much as half of the budget.

Police said they understand the move as part of cost-saving measures, but they plan to appeal to local leaders to restore or increase allocations to maintain visibility and response capacity.

“We will be coordinating with LGUs na sana huwag nang bawasan ang allocation namin, mostly kasi talaga nagbawas ng 50 percent,” Col. Arbel Mercullo, provincial director of the Pangasinan PPO, said.

While talks with some mayors are still pending, police stations have been instructed to maximize the use of motorcycles for patrols and visibility operations.

Police said fuel for motorcycles will be sourced from the station’s maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

“Binuhay natin ‘yung mga bike police and even mga motorsiklo para ‘yun ang gamitin nila,” Mercullo added.