The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed its forces on ‘heightened readiness’ to secure critical infrastructure following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In an online statement, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that the entire police force is preparing to execute strategic preparation measures nationwide. Their primary focus remains the protection of key installations, critical facilities, and local communities to prevent any disruptions to public order during the energy crisis.

“Kaisa ang PNP ng pamahalaan sa pagtugon sa hamong it, at sisiguraduhin namin ang maayos na pagpapatupad ng mga hakbang upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at maprotektahan ang mamamayan,” the statement said.

Supporting Energy Conservation

The directive follows a specific mandate from Malacañang, which tapped law enforcement agencies to support government initiatives aimed at energy conservation and the delivery of essential aid to affected citizens.

General Nartatez emphasized that the PNP’s full capabilities are mobilized to monitor and respond to any individuals or groups who might take advantage of the situation to cause civil unrest.

Crackdown on Hoarding and Profiteering

Beyond physical security, the Department of Energy (DOE) has enlisted the PNP to assist in the "anti-hoarding" campaign. Officers are currently monitoring petroleum products to prevent illegal profiteering and price manipulation.

The PNP’s initial enforcement actions have already yielded results:

• Arrests: Four individuals were apprehended in Albay for illegal practices.

• Violations: Two gas stations in Samar and Nueva Vizcaya were flagged for non-compliance.

• Closures: Over 400 gas stations nationwide have reportedly closed down; these establishments are now under investigation to determine if the closures were legitimate or part of a scheme to hoard supply.

The PNP maintains that it will continue to work closely with local government units and the DOE to ensure that the nation’s energy supply remains secure and that the public is protected from unfair market practices.