ANEPC is the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil). It is the state body that coordinates civil-protection planning, emergency response and oversight of fire and rescue services across Portugal, and it has authority to investigate operations it deems irregular — which is why it can open an inquiry into the LBP’s ambulance task force. For expats, ANEPC issues national alerts, guidance on evacuations and rules that affect volunteer and professional emergency responders in your area.