THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered police chiefs and other unit commanders to provide adequate security in areas where assistance is being distributed to families affected by monsoon rains and flooding.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said local police units are closely monitoring relief distribution activities to prevent individuals or groups from disrupting the delivery of assistance to affected families.
“The presence of your police is not only limited to peace and order, but it is also more of an assurance to all our kababayan that their PNP will always be there to assist, especially at this time of serious challenge,” Nartatez said in a statement on Wednesday.
The heightened police presence comes as relief operations continue in provinces across Luzon following massive flooding brought by “habagat” rains.
Police units must remain alert for attempts to exploit the ongoing disaster response, including schemes targeting families waiting for government assistance.
Nartatez also warned against individuals or groups who may take advantage of relief operations, saying that relief goods are intended for affected families and are distributed free of charge.
“We urge the public to immediately report cases of individuals and groups taking advantage of this using any kind of modus to us, and we will run after them,” said Nartatez.
