Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police commanders on Tuesday to bolster security around pumping stations and flood-control facilities following the theft of vital equipment that disrupted flood mitigation operations in Metro Manila.

Nartatez instructed local police stations to coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways, local government units and facility operators to secure critical infrastructure, particularly in low-lying areas.

The operational directive follows instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to safeguard critical public infrastructure.

“The PNP strongly condemns the theft of vital components from government pumping stations,” Nartatez said.

“These are not ordinary property crimes because they can compromise flood-control operations and put lives and property at risk,” he added.

The security upgrade comes after thieves stole eight to 10 meters of grounding cable from a pumping station in Navotas, causing the facility to malfunction during severe monsoon flooding across the capital region.

Navotas police have identified a suspect in the theft and are conducting a pursuit operation, while the MMDA coordinates with investigators.