NCRPO warns vs illegal water connections amid El Niño threat

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has ordered a crackdown on illegal water connections in Metro Manila, warning that unscrupulous groups are exploiting residents’ need for water amid concerns over supply shortages due to the El Niño phenomenon.

The directive followed the arrest of two alleged leaders of groups involved in unauthorized water connections in Baseco compound, Manila, NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said.

Based on intelligence reports, the two groups allegedly charged residents between P5,000 and P10,000 for installing illegal water lines.

Abrahano directed the five police districts to coordinate with water concessionaires, local governments and barangay officials to identify areas vulnerable to the illegal activity, act on complaints and conduct joint inspections when necessary.

He also ordered investigators to focus on those organizing and financing the operations, including individuals collecting payments from residents.

“We will not allow unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of our people’s need for water, especially during periods when access to this essential resource becomes a serious concern,” Abrahano said.

He warned that unauthorized connections could disrupt water distribution, compromise supply systems and cause financial losses. Residents who avail themselves of illegal connections could also face legal consequences, he added.

With El Niño potentially worsening water supply concerns, Abrahano urged residents to transact only with legitimate water service providers and report individuals demanding payment for unauthorized connections.

The NCRPO said it would continue operations to protect communities from groups profiting illegally from the public’s need for water.

Crop losses

As of Thursday, the ongoing super El Niño has caused an estimated P40.9 million in damage and losses to rice and corn production in the Negros Island Region, affecting 2,353 farmers and 1,483 hectares of agricultural land, according to the Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR).

Marion Joseph Tagle, DA-NIR Disaster Risk Reduction and Management chief, said the initial field assessment recorded production losses totaling 1,593 metric tons as of Nov. 5, including 1,366 MT of rice and 195.35 MT of corn.

Rice and corn are currently the only agricultural commodities with reported damage due to El Niño, Tagle said, adding that no livestock losses have been recorded so far.

More severe drought conditions are expected in the coming months, he warned.

Negros Occidental is likely to experience a dry spell in November before progressing to drought from December until March 2027.

Negros Oriental and Siquijor, meanwhile, are forecast to experience drought conditions this month, which are expected to persist until March next year.

Although intermittent rains continue in Negros Occidental, Tagle said the agricultural sector must prepare for worsening dry conditions and possible additional crop losses.

Wildfire prevention

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has elevated wildfire prevention to maximum alert status as extreme heat and drying vegetation are expected to create fire-prone conditions across grasslands and forests amid the threat of a very strong El Niño.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said regional offices have rolled out measures to safeguard forests and grasslands.

“Our decision to deploy dedicated Bantay Gubat patrols and build firelines in high priority areas reflect our firm commitment to prevent wildfires. We call on all citizens, farmers and local leaders to observe strict bans on open burning and kaingin,” Cuna said.

In Northern Luzon, the DENR Ilocos Region mobilized Bantay Gubat Forest Protection Officers and park rangers to conduct continuous foot patrols in forest conservation areas, National Greening Program plantations and other protected areas.

In Bicol, the DENR is preparing firefighting equipment, training park rangers and barangay officials in basic fire response and integrating El Niño preparedness into local information campaigns.

In Mindanao, the DENR Davao Region temporarily closed the Mt. Apo Natural Park to trekking and recreational activities to allow ecosystem recovery and eliminate the risk of human-induced fires during the peak dry period.

It also intensified patrols to deter illegal logging and detect fire risks in National Greening Program plantations.

The DENR Quick Response Teams remain on 24-hour standby across all regional offices to assist local fire authorities in suppressing wildfires.

“Protecting our forests from fire is a shared national duty,” Cuna said. — Josiah Antonio, Gilbert Bayoran