The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered increased police presence and assistance on flooded roads and expressways following massive traffic jams that left motorists stranded for hours along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in San Simon, Pampanga.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday directed police chiefs and unit commanders to strengthen monitoring of flood-hit roads and strategically deploy personnel and police vehicles to assist motorists during emergencies and severe traffic disruptions.

“Motorists are usually left on their own in dealing with flooded roads. We do not want that to happen. 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 said.

The directive follows severe flooding at the San Simon section of NLEX that stranded motorists for hours after conditions worsened over the weekend.

The northbound traffic queue stretched for more than seven kilometers toward Candaba, while the southbound queue reached around five to six kilometers.

Traffic measures were implemented in the flooded section, with Class 1 vehicles directed to use the innermost lane while trucks and buses were allowed to pass through the second lane.

Nartatez said flooded roads should be included in ground monitoring and considered when determining the deployment of PNP personnel and resources.

Territorial police forces and other concerned units were directed to maintain visibility, assist stranded motorists, facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles and coordinate with local government units and expressway operators.

Police units were also instructed to closely monitor flood levels, traffic queues and motorists who may require immediate assistance.

Nartatez said the measures are in line with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to strengthen disaster response and provide immediate assistance to affected communities and motorists.

“We urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected area. Those who need to travel should exercise caution, follow traffic advisories, and cooperate with police and highway authorities on the ground,” Nartatez said.