THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will coordinate with government agencies to provide security during the rollout of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers affected by rising oil prices.
In a statement on Thursday, March 12, 2026, PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said commanders of territorial police units have been directed to work closely with concerned agencies to ensure the orderly distribution of assistance.
Nartatez instructed local police chiefs to properly deploy personnel at subsidy distribution venues.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier announced that PUV drivers and operators will begin receiving a fuel subsidy worth P5,000 starting next week. The first phase of distribution will take place in Metro Manila before expanding to the provinces.
While the subsidy is typically released through fuel subsidy cards, Nartatez noted that some areas, particularly in the provinces, may require manual distribution of cash assistance.
“As such, coordination is important so that the necessary security measures are in place to ensure fast, smooth, and orderly distribution,” said Nartatez.
“The presence of policemen is important in this kind of activity. Our goal has always been the protection and welfare of everybody,” he added.
Nartatez said the PNP has experience securing similar government aid rollouts, noting that police officers were also deployed during the distribution of assistance at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our officers are trained to ensure the process is orderly and that every beneficiary is protected,” he said. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)