By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — The Eastern Police District (EPD) has instructed all police chiefs under its jurisdiction to deploy cops to monitor and ensure a peaceful and orderly distribution of water in areas affected by water service interruptions.
In a statement Friday, EPD Acting Director, Brig. Gen. Christopher Tambungan, said the presence of police officers in water distribution areas in the cities of Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong, and San Juan would prevent any possible commotion caused by the water shortage.
“The EPD will intensify police presence and assure that there will be a peaceful and orderly distribution of water supply within Metro-East in the midst of (the) water crisis,” he said.
The Manila Water, which provides water in Metro Manila’s east zone, has cut supply in several areas of the metropolis as the water level in La Mesa Dam dropped.
“Over the years, Manila Water has served as the water supplier for the whole Metro-East but unfortunately, we are currently experiencing water shortage for the past (few) days,” he added.
Meanwhile, the city government of Mandaluyong is looking to declare a state of calamity amid the water shortage in the area.
City Information Officer Jimmy Isidro said the city government was only waiting for the recommendation of barangay officials for a declaration of state of calamity.
Isidro said 12 barangay officials have already expressed intent to recommend a declaration during their meeting on Thursday.
He noted that all of the 27 barangays of Mandaluyong were already affected by the water shortage as Manila Water implemented a new cut-off schedule in Metro Manila.
The barangay officials will submit resolutions recommending a state of calamity declaration to the city government, which will then be transmitted by Mayor Carmelita Abalos to the city council for approval, he said.
A state of calamity would allow the local government to tap its emergency funds to buy items to help them address the water shortage.
