PNP, BJMP, BFP can wear light uniforms amid rising heat index
UNIFORMED personnel from the tri-bureau of the Interior department can wear light uniforms to ease their working conditions amid the rising heat index caused by the El Nino phenomenon.
Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said the welfare of personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) must come first especially when they are in their respective field to perform their sworn duties.
“Kaya sa gitna nang sobrang init sa ating bansa, wearing of light and comfortable uniforms is the way to go,” Abalos said.
In an urgent memorandum, Abalos directed the PNP, BFP, and BJMP to issue an advisory for all its personnel to wear light uniforms in the performance of their respective duties.
This measure, according to him, shall help mitigate discomfort and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke.
“The tri-bureau’s line of work already poses a lot of risks, now coupled with the hazards of extreme heat temperature kaya kailangan din natin protektahan ang ating uniformed personnel from the PNP, BFP and BJMP,” the DILG chief said.
PNP, BFP, and BJMP are attached agencies of the DILG.
Earlier this week, the BJMP issued a memorandum on the modified schedule of wearing BJMP uniforms during the summer season.
From April 22-June 15, BJMP personnel in Jail Units shall wear their prescribed Gray Shirts every Tuesday until Friday and would only don their regular Bush Coat and General Office Attire on Monday for both Junior Officer Ranks and Junior Non-Officer Ranks, respectively.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a warning on the dangerous heat index in various parts of the Philippines that will persist until mid-May.
PAGASA recorded the highest heat index of 48 degrees in Aparri, Cagayan last April 23, 2024.
The Department of Health (DOH) likewise advised the public to take precautionary measures against the dangers of heat-related illnesses.
