THE Department of Public Safety is assuring the community that essential law enforcement services will continue despite the austerity measures implemented by the financially strapped central government.
On Wednesday, Gov. David M. Apatang issued cost-cutting directives in response to a projected revenue shortfall for fiscal year 2026. The measures include reduced government work hours, furloughs, and a reduction in force.
Under the directive, officers of DPS and the Department of Corrections work hours will be limited to 80 hours biweekly, while Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel will be capped at 100 hours. Administrative staff in all three departments will also see reduced hours.
At a news conference Friday, DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas assured the public that services will not be affected.
“I want to assure the community that public services will not be hampered. There’s no difference from the previous time that we’ve been providing public services,” Macaranas said. “Some DPS personnel will be affected by the reduction of hours, mostly support staff and officers not assigned to patrol, but essential law enforcement services remain in place.”
Macaranas added that DPS will continue to support religious, school, and community events.
“Rest assured that DPS will continue to diligently enforce the services provided to the community. Nothing has changed other than a reduction of force,” he said.
Overtime for police officers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
“Most of the overtime I’m looking at is in response to serious traffic crashes, homicides, or unforeseen situations. Those will be given additional compensation,” Macaranas said. “But all frontline officers who provide services to our community will be paid for 80 hours.”
He emphasized that 911 operations will remain fully functional.
“911 will continue full operation. There’s no cut, there’s no reduction in that area. 911 dispatchers are still considered frontline, as they are the first point of contact for community members requesting services from DPS,” Macaranas said.
He also confirmed that 24-hour village patrols will be maintained.
“I don’t have directives stopping police services after midnight. We will continue to provide 24-hour services to the community,” he said.
