By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered police commanders to tighten security around pumping stations and other critical flood-control facilities after the theft of vital equipment disrupted flood-mitigation operations amid severe flooding in Metro Manila.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed police units to coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units and operators of flood-control facilities to secure infrastructure considered critical to protecting flood-prone communities.
The order followed the theft of an estimated eight to 10 meters of grounding cable from the Navotas pumping station, causing the facility to malfunction at a time when pumping capacity was crucial to reducing floodwaters.
Nartatez condemned the theft, warning that stealing equipment from flood-control facilities is far more serious than an ordinary property crime because it can directly undermine emergency infrastructure and expose communities to greater risks.
“The PNP strongly condemns the theft of vital components from government pumping stations. These are not ordinary property crimes because they can compromise flood-control operations and put lives and property at risk,” Nartatez said.
He said the directive was issued in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instructions, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen protection for critical infrastructure and safeguard communities vulnerable to flooding.
The MMDA is coordinating with authorities following the Navotas incident, while local police have identified a suspect and launched follow-up operations aimed at securing an arrest.
Nartatez said concerned police units were ordered to intensify security around pumping stations and other flood-control installations while immediately investigating the theft.
“I have directed concerned police units to coordinate with local governments and facility operators, intensify security and conduct immediate investigations to identify and arrest those responsible,” he said.
The PNP chief stressed that the consequences of such theft extend beyond the value of the stolen materials.
Pumping stations are essential components of Metro Manila’s flood-control system, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when authorities depend on them to remove accumulated floodwaters from vulnerable communities.
When critical components are stolen, facilities can be forced offline or operate below capacity, potentially prolonging flooding and increasing damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
The government must also spend additional public funds to replace stolen equipment—money that could otherwise be used to improve and maintain flood-control systems.
Nartatez warned that authorities would pursue not only those who steal the equipment but also individuals who knowingly purchase stolen components.
“Those who steal or buy stolen equipment will be held accountable under the law. We will pursue the perpetrators and ensure that appropriate charges are filed against them,” he said.
The PNP’s heightened security campaign comes as Metro Manila continues to face recurring flooding and growing scrutiny over the condition, effectiveness and protection of the government’s flood-control infrastructure.
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