By Aaron Recuenco

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has instructed its police commanders especially in Metro Manila to start implementing water conservation measures amid the shortage of water supply in the past days.

At the same time, PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Bernard Banac advised police commanders to assist barangay officials in water supply shortage-affected areas in maintaining peace and order on water rationing.

“We asked our personnel in various stations and offices to help in water conservation. If possible, they should limit its use because of shortage in the supply that some residents of Metro Manila are experiencing,” said Banac.

Various areas, especially in the eastern part of Metro Manila, have been experiencing water shortage, with some residents reporting that they experienced zero water supply for as long as 20 hours.

The government has already started addressing the problem, starting off with water rationing mostly through the help of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Banac said that in the aspect of water rationing, it is important that discipline and order must be observed as water rationing may cause trouble due to stress that it has been causing to some residents.

“We appeal to the affected residents to refrain from being hotheaded. Let us ensure peace and order and do not let our emotions prevail especially in long lines during water distribution,” said Banac.

“Our policemen are ready to assist barangay officials in maintaining peace and order in distribution points in Metro Manila and other areas experiencing water supply interruption,” he added.

The government has also appealed to the public to start water conservation as all the measures are being implemented to address the problem amid threat of prolonged water shortage due to effects of El Nino.