Police, fire and jail officers can wear light uniforms while on duty amid the excessive heat caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) already issued an urgent memorandum allowing Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officers to wear light and comfortable uniforms to ease their working conditions.

“Dahil nga mainit (Since it’s hot), dangerous heat and index levels are quite high across the country, you are hereby directed to issue an urgent advisory for all PNP, BJMP and BFP personnel to wear light uniforms in the performance of their respective duties to alleviate discomfort and protect them from illnesses such as heat stroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion among others due to extreme heat,” Abalos said, indirectly addressing agencies under the DILG.

“May narinig kasi ako na parang may na-heat stroke na isang kasama natin (I’ve heard reports that one of our personnel had a heat stroke). That’s why we have to issue this advisory,” he added.

Earlier in the day, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of dangerous heat index levels ranging from 42 degrees to 48 degrees Celsius in 44 areas.

PAGASA said heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

The bureau advised the public to limit time spent outdoors, especially at noon, and drink plenty of water.

People going outdoors are reminded to use umbrellas, or wear hats and sleeved clothing. (PNA)