Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. on Tuesday lauded police commanders in Metro Manila for immediately mobilizing manpower and police vehicles to ferry stranded commuters as flooding and persistent southwest monsoon (habagat) rains disrupted public transportation in several areas on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP dispatched 123 police vehicles for the initiative and directed regional and local police units to assess transport disruptions so they could use available vehicles where the need for assistance is greatest. This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure that government resources are immediately mobilized to assist communities affected by severe weather and other emergencies.

In a statement, Nartatez said police service and assistance will continue not only in Metro Manila but also in all affected areas, as he ordered all police units to closely monitor the situation on the ground, especially in preemptive evacuation, and to deploy more personnel and vehicles when needed. "All our units in affected areas were already directed to maximize available resources in extending assistance to all our affected kababayans (fellow citizens) while more personnel and resources will be on standby for emergency situations," he added.

The PNP vehicles are being used to ferry passengers who cannot secure regular public transportation mainly due to widespread flooding. Nartatez said the assistance is focused on areas where heavy rains have affected the availability and movement of public transport. "Our personnel are coordinating with local authorities to identify areas where assistance is most needed," he said.

The PNP chief noted that the police would sustain the transport assistance for as long as necessary. The deployment will be adjusted based on actual conditions on the ground and the needs of affected commuters, he added. "We urge the public to prioritize safety, avoid flooded areas, and seek help from our police personnel when necessary. The PNP will continue to provide assistance as long as the situation requires it," Nartatez stressed.