NCRPO deploys over 2,200 cops, over 100 vehicles for transport strike
Police Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. has ordered the deployment of more than 2,200 policemen and at least 100 vehicles to maintain peace and order and assist commuters amid the transport strike held on Monday, Oct. 16.
Nartatez said two buses, two patrol jeepneys, and13 trucks were deployed in various parts of Metro Manila as early as 4 a.m. on Monday in a move to ensure that all the commuters would be provided sufficient mode of transportation on their way to work.

(Commuters take advantage of the free ride given by the local government of Quezon City during a nationwide transport strike protest led by the group Manibela on Mon. Oct. 16, 2023. (Noel B. Pabalate)
He said a total of 88 vehicles from the five police districts were also tapped for free rides to the commuter.
“If necessary, all vehicles for patrol operations on standby will also be utilized for the benefit of the public. This is alongside the vehicles to be provided by the local government units and other agencies during the said strike,” said Nartatez.
He said a total of 2,245 NCRPO personnel were also deployed in different areas of concern, particularly at passenger pick-up and drop-off points to respond to any adverse situation that may transpire arising from the misunderstanding between the groups of drivers who will join the strike and those who will not.
The deployment includes 871 Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) contingents, 995 in major thoroughfares, 292 in transportation hubs/terminals, 476 in commercial areas, 657 in other places of convergence, and 633 Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) personnel will be placed on standby ready to be deployed at any time.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier said it will also place on standby several of its vehicles for deployment in the areas that would be affected by the transport strike.
But as early as Sunday, Oct. 15, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has expressed confidence that the transport strike will not paralyze public transportation in Metro Manila since at least seven major transport groups had announced that they will not join the protest action.
The MMDA has set up a command center to monitor the impact of the transport strike but only a few affected areas were seen with stranded commuters in the morning but were immediately addressed with the deployment of vehicles especially from local government units.