The Philippine National Police (PNP) has strengthened waste management measures across all police offices and units as the government intensifies efforts to address the country's garbage problem.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police personnel must lead by example in keeping their workplaces and communities clean, stressing that everyone has a role in addressing improper waste disposal.

The initiative is in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure proper waste management in communities and address the adverse effects of improper garbage disposal.

“As law enforcers, police personnel are expected to set good examples to the people we serve, and in this particular case, the proper waste management and segregation,” Nartatez said.

Police commanders down to the precinct, station, municipal and city levels have been directed to strictly enforce waste management measures, including the use of proper bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

Marcos recently raised concern over what he described as a critical garbage situation in the country, particularly in Metro Manila, during an inspection of accumulated trash along the reclaimed portion of Manila Bay in front of Baclaran Church.

Calls have also mounted for stronger government action and greater interagency cooperation to enforce discipline and establish systematic waste disposal practices down to the community level.

Nartatez said the PNP would coordinate with local government units in enforcing waste disposal regulations.

“We in the PNP are ready to provide assistance to the local government units in enforcing ordinances regarding waste disposal,” Nartatez said.

He added that police personnel would remain involved in local efforts to keep public areas clean as part of the PNP's support for the government's waste management campaign.

“Kaisa ang PNP sa pagpapatupad ng kampanya hinggil sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan ng paligid,” Nartatez said.