Weeks after one of its stations in Quezon City suffered a power cutoff, the Philippine National Police took the first step in settling its unpaid electric bills.
A report on dzXL radio Thursday night said the PNP paid Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) P35 million as initial payment for its Metro Manila unit's power consumption.
The amount was less than one-seventh of the P222 million the Metro Manila police still owed Meralco.
But Metro Manila police chief Director Roberto Rosales said they can pay the debt in three years.
In the meantime, he said he has ordered all district directors and station commanders under him to conserve power and water.
Earlier this month, the Quezon City Police District Station 10 suffered a blackout after Meralco cut off its power due to unpaid electric bills.
The cutoff affected all key police functions, including the crime laboratory and scene-of-the-crime operations.
QCPD head Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele said he planned to write Meralco and appeal to it for understanding. — LBG
