By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered police commanders nationwide to intensify coordination with local governments and disaster-response agencies following the collapse of two bridges in Tarlac amid continuing heavy rains.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the directive in line with instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to strengthen public safety operations and ensure a unified government response to hazards brought by the southwest monsoon.
Nartatez said police units must closely monitor vulnerable infrastructure and act immediately when roads and bridges become unsafe.
“We will remind all police commanders to coordinate closely with their respective local government units and disaster-response agencies, particularly in securing bridges, roads and other areas affected by the continuing rains,” Nartatez said.
The order came after the Aug. 29 collapse of the Agana Bridge, where an SUV plunged into the river and was swept away by the current.
Four passengers remain missing, while one was rescued. Search and rescue operations were continuing as authorities worked to locate those still unaccounted for.
Nartatez said police personnel immediately secured the area, coordinated with other responding agencies and assisted in the ongoing rescue effort.
“Our personnel immediately responded to the incident, secured the area, coordinated with the other responding agencies, and assisted in the search and rescue operations. Our priority was to ensure public safety and help locate those who remain missing,” he said.
The Agana Bridge had been serving as an alternative route after the Aquino Bridge partially collapsed on Aug. 28, also during heavy rains.
The consecutive bridge failures have raised fresh concerns over the safety of critical road infrastructure as prolonged rainfall continues to threaten communities and transportation routes.
Nartatez directed local police units to give priority to areas considered vulnerable to further damage, particularly roads and bridges weakened by the continuing rains.
“Local police units should prioritize public safety, closely monitor vulnerable areas, immediately secure unsafe roads and bridges, and coordinate with local authorities so that appropriate measures can be taken without delay,” he said.
The PNP’s latest directive effectively places police units on heightened alert around vulnerable infrastructure, with authorities expected to move quickly to restrict access to dangerous routes and prevent further loss of life as adverse weather conditions persist.
ia/xf
