The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its deployment and monitoring of roads and expressways to help stranded motorists amid flooding and traffic congestion.
‘Motorists are usually left on their own in dealing with flooded roads. We do not want that to happen,’ said PNP chief Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement on Tuesday
‘There should be police presence in areas where they are needed, and that includes this kind of situation in cases of emergencies and other forms of assistance that the PNP is capable of,’ Nartatez added.
Nartatez said police vehicles must be strategically deployed and prepositioned in flood-prone areas for quick response to emergencies.
He said the deployment is particularly important amid severe traffic congestion, such as the recent situation along the San Simon portion of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx).
Flooding along the San Simon section of NLEx, which began Friday and worsened over the weekend, left motorists stranded for hours.
On Tuesday morning, heavy traffic was still observed at Tulaoc, San Simon Interchange along NLEx amid rising water levels in the Pampanga River.
The northbound traffic tail-end extended to Candaba and covered more than seven kilometers.
Meanwhile, the southbound queue reached about five to six kilometers.
Traffic management measures were implemented in the area, with Class 1 vehicles directed to the innermost lane.
Trucks and buses were then allowed to use the second lane.
Nartatez said flooded roads should be included in regular ground monitoring and considered in the deployment of police personnel and resources for public safety.
Police units were instructed to maintain visibility, assist stranded motorists, and facilitate the passage of emergency vehicles.
‘We urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected area,’ said Nartatez.
‘Those who need to travel should exercise caution, follow traffic advisories, and cooperate with police and highway authorities on the ground,’ he added.