PNP mobilizes more personnel, vehicles as heavy rains disrupt transport

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed police vehicles to ferry stranded commuters as flooding and persistent southwest monsoon or habagat rains disrupted public transportation in Metro Manila and other affected areas, police said Tuesday.

Police commanders immediately mobilized personnel and vehicles to help commuters who couldn’t secure public transportation amid difficult travel conditions on Monday.

READ: Habagat to persist over parts of Luzon, Visayas Tuesday

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PNP chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. further ordered police units in affected areas to closely monitor conditions on the ground and prepare for preemptive evacuations as heavy rains continued.

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Additionally, the PNP stated that regional and local police units were directed to assess transport disruptions and deploy available vehicles to areas where assistance was most needed.

“All our units in affected areas were already directed to maximize available resources in extending assistance to all our affected kababayans while more personnel and resources will be on standby for emergency situation,” Nartatez said in a press release.

Police vehicles were used to transport passengers stranded by widespread flooding and the limited availability and movement of public transportation.

“Our personnel are coordinating with local authorities to identify areas where assistance is most needed,” Nartatez noted.

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He said the PNP would sustain the transport assistance for as long as necessary, with the deployment to be adjusted depending on conditions and the needs of affected commuters.

“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,” he added. Rendell Ivan Manuel, INQUIRER.net trainee /mr