PNP Tightens Nationwide Security as Uplift Aid Reaches Millions of Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — As millions of Filipinos receive government aid this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered heightened security measures nationwide for the expanded Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport (Uplift) program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said the program is the latest round of financial assistance for individuals affected by the energy emergency linked to the Middle East crisis. In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police units to increase personnel deployment at distribution centers to maintain peace and order and support payout operations. The Uplift program will cover 3.5 million households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program (WGP). It will also benefit 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). In addition, 1.5 million low-income members of the Social Security System are included in the expanded UPLIFT program. Households identified through the CBMS under Group 2 and eligible SSS members under Group 3 will receive P2,000 monthly from July to December. Meanwhile, 4Ps beneficiaries will receive their assistance directly through their Land Bank of the Philippines or GCash accounts. Those enrolled in the WGP will receive the cash aid through manual payouts during their scheduled food redemption day. READ: DSWD to roll out P2,000 in Uplift aid Local police commanders were directed to implement real-time security adjustments and continuously monitor intelligence reports on peace and order concerns. Commanders were also instructed to prepare for non-security contingencies, including medical emergencies that may arise during distribution activities. “The priority is not only to ensure peace and order but also to give all beneficiaries peace of mind that, in case of emergencies and other eventualities, their PNP will be there to assist them,” Nartatez said. Nartatez added that the PNP will “work closely with local government units to ensure the smooth implementation of the program in every distribution area,” while providing immediate assistance in case of emergencies. /mcm