Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has tasked police chiefs and unit commanders to strengthen monitoring on flooded roads and expressways in order to maximize assistance to the affected motorists. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the need for prepositioning and strategic deployment of police vehicles to handle emergencies and any untoward incidents amid travel disruptions like those observed in the San Simon, Pampanga portion of the North Luzon Expressway. As of the 1:20 p.m. advisory, all lanes in both directions under the Tulaoc Bridge and of San Simon Interchange are flooded, contributing to heavy traffic that has persisted since the weekend, with motorists stranded for hours.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez highlighted the necessity of police presence in dealing with flooded roads to provide necessary assistance during such emergencies. He stated that these areas should be part of ground monitoring efforts and factored into the deployment of PNP personnel and resources, ensuring the safety and peace of mind of those affected. Territorial police forces and concerned police units have been instructed to maintain visibility, assist stranded motorists, facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles, and coordinate with local government units and expressway managements for a unified response system.
In parallel, Nartatez ordered chiefs of police and unit commanders to ensure health protection for their personnel during disaster response operations. From necessary gear and equipment to supplies of medicine, police personnel must be properly equipped against health risks and other threats associated with flood exposure. The protection and welfare of every police officer should be prioritized during deployments, particularly given the increased exposure to flood-related health risks like leptospirosis, which can be contracted through contact with contaminated water or soil.
PNP personnel have been deployed to 948 occupied evacuation centers accommodating 31,800 families or 138,325 evacuees. Their deployment also includes search and rescue operations, securing vital installations, road clearing, and protecting vulnerable groups. In a related development, Nartatez directed local police units in Tarlac to enhance coordination with local authorities to secure vulnerable roads and bridges, as ongoing rains heighten the risk of infrastructure-related incidents.
Following the collapse of the Agana Bridge on Aug. 29, where a sports utility vehicle was swept into the river, police personnel in Tarlac responded immediately. Of the five passengers reported, one survived, one was found dead, and three remain missing. Nartatez reminded all police commanders to work closely with local government units and disaster-response agencies to secure bridges, roads, and other areas affected by the continuing rains. The Agana Bridge had served as an alternative route after the partial collapse of the Aquino Bridge on Aug. 28 due to heavy rains.
