by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday ordered all of its units in areas affected by water shortage to observe conservation measures.
PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, has ordered an inspection to prevent wasteful or unnecessary water usage in police facilities.
Albayalde also directed PNP units to assist barangay authorities in maintaining order and crowd control in rationing points to allow the efficient and orderly distribution of water to affected residents.
“Local PNP units are directed to ensure safety and security of water service providers against unruly crowd and persons who may want to provoke chaos in the water distribution points,” the PNP chief said in a statement.
PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac, said police units will also be on the lookout for unauthorized tampering or pilferage of water from fire hydrants and main water lines.
Banac earlier called on residents affected by water service interruption in various areas to stay calm, noting that police officers are ready to assist local government units and communities in the distribution of water being conducted by concessionaire Manila Water and fire trucks of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) assured sufficient water supply in jail facilities for inmates to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.
BJMP spokesperson Chief Insp. Xavier Solda said they have coordinated with Maynilad, as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection, for water supply assistance and they also procured drums for water stocking in their jail facilities.
“Fortunately, for BJMP facilities in Metro Manila, wala kaming problema sa tubig (we don’t have problems with water supply)… We assure the public, the families ng PDLs (Persons Deprived of Liberty) that our water supply is enough. The BJMP is ready for it,” he said.
He also said the BJMP has enough supply of medicine to be used for treating summer diseases among inmates.
