The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be deploying more than 6,600 policemen in various parts of Metro Manila to assist commuters who would be affected by the two-day transport strike of transport groups Piston and Manibela starting Monday, April 15.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said the policemen were also instructed to ensure peace and order especially in areas where the members and leaders of the two transport groups would hold their protest actions.
“We will dispatch a total of 6,638 PNP personnel to assist the public during the rally. A Civil Disturbance Management Team was activated to secure the public and the protesters,” said Nartatez.
“Likewise, several police officers will also be deployed to terminals, commercial areas, and border control checkpoints,” he added.
Nartatez said foot, mobile, and motorcycle patrollers, drone operators, and transport escorts will be among those deployed to assist in regulating and maintaining the smooth flow of traffic along the transport strike-affected routes.
He said coordination was already made with some local government units in Metro Manila to cushion the impact of the transport strike.
“The NCRPO prepared a total of 205 PNP vehicles composed of mobile cars, trucks, and buses ready to be dispatched for ‘Libreng Sakay for the public transportation users who will be affected during the protest,” said Nartatez.
The vehicles that will be deployed by the NCRPO will augment the vehicles that will be prepared by LGUs and other government agencies like the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Nartatez also assured the public of continuous security operations and intelligence-gathering to deny threat groups from taking advantage of the transport strike.
“There are no reported threats to security, however, the NCRPO will remain on heightened alert status,” said Nartatez.
“We urge all the participants to conduct their program peacefully, and responsibly and abide by the guidelines provided. The NCRPO commits to safeguard your safety as our priority,” he added.
Manibela and Piston earlier announced the two-day transport strike to air their complaints on the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
President Marcos earlier said that there will be no more extension for PUV operators to consolidate to either a cooperative or corporation—a major requirement to get franchise— after he allowed the final deadline extension to April 30 this year.
At least seven major transport groups assured the public anew that they will not join the transport strike.