To conserve energy, No FB, twitter for metro cops on duty

Manila, Philippines—Social networking and police work do not mix.

So says the Philippine National Police (PNP), which recently banned its personnel from using Facebook and Twitter while at work.

Following a P1 million increase in electric and water bills at the PNP’s headquarters in Quezon City, Camp Crame, support service Chief Superintendent James Andres Melad told reporters on Monday that police personnel caught using Facebook, and other electricity outlets outside of the appointed time schedule, will receive administrative sanctions.

“Demerits, maybe suspension or forfeiture of pay, and restrictions will be received by those who will violate my order,” Melad said, adding that administrative officers will be responsible for  monitoring employees under their respective commands regarding how they use electricity inside the sprawling police camp.

He said that aside from prohibiting the use of Facebook, use of television, air conditioners and water dispensers will be scheduled, and labeled, for specific times of use.

Earlier in the day, Melad said the PNP plans to have a  ‘forced black-out’ in Camp Crame to save electricity after the P1 million increase in its utility bill

“We want to have a forced black out in Crame every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon so that our personnel would be obliged to attend our athletic activities in the afternoon, and at the same time, reduce consumption,” Melad said.

All offices and units, except the National Head Quarters building, will be given electricity using a generator from 12 noon up to 5 p.m., Melad said that during these days, there were no personnel inside the offices because they are supposed to be having athletic activities.

Melad said that on regular days, they will be turning off appliances for at least one hour a day. “Our policy is to use the aircon only from 9a.m. to 12 noon, turn it off from 12 noon to 1 p.m, then resume from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.”

“It would be the officer of the day of each office operating units who will ensure  compliance of to this directive, and report violations to the head of the office,” he added.

“I am calling the attention of every personnel inside (Camp)Crame to please help us in the matter of reducing (electricity); we have to move towards energy conservation,” Melad said.

The chief superintendent said the forced black-out, if approved will be implemented next month.