Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. has directed police commanders nationwide to coordinate with relevant government agencies to ensure the safe and orderly distribution of fuel subsidies in their respective areas.
The directive follows the Department of Transportation’s announcement that the ₱5,000 fuel subsidy program will begin next week, starting in Metro Manila with tricycle drivers as the initial beneficiaries.
Other public utility vehicle drivers and operators will follow, including those in the provinces.
While the distribution is normally coursed through fuel subsidy cards, there are a number of instances that the subsidy distribution is done manually, especially in the provinces.
This is the part where the police security comes into play, according to the PNP chief.
“It important that coordination is done to prepare all the necessary security measures to ensure fast, smooth and orderly distribution of the cash assistance. The presence of policemen is important in this kind of activity. Our goal has always been the protection and welfare of everybody,” said Nartatez.
He recalled that the PNP undertook a similar role during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which police officers were deployed to secure aid rollouts, ensuring orderly distribution and public safety amid challenging conditions.
Thousands of PUV drivers are expected to benefit from the fuel subsidy, the result of the Middle East conflict that so far jacked up the prices of oil products. (Aaron Recuenco)
