Metro Manila police force on full alert, NCRPO to deploy 8,000 cops for 3-day transport strike
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be deploying around 8,000 policemen to secure various areas in Metro Manila amid the declaration of the three-day strike of transport groups which will also be joined by several labor organizations.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr, said the deployment is aimed at ensuring public safety, as well as those who would not join the transport strike that will be initiated by Piston starting April 29.
“We are ready to ensure the safety of the public during the transport strike from April 29 to May 1,” said Nartatez.
“We also placed our men unde full alert status as part of our contingency plan for the transport strike,” he added.
In a press briefing, Piston said the strike is a continuing protest against the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, which he said, is a burden to the jeepney operators and drivers as this would compel them to avail of more than P2 million-worth modern jeepney.
The transport strike is in time for the April 30 deadline set by President Marcos to consolidate into a cooperative or corporation, which is a major requirement for jeepney operators and drivers to continue their franchise.
At least two labor groups have also committed to join in support of Piston as they stated that the PUV Modernization Program would pave the way to increased fare since the fare hike is the only logical reason where the operators would get their high monthly amortization and maintenance cost for modern jeepneys.
The transport strike is also in time for the Labor Day celebration on May 1.
NCRPO chief information officer Lt. Col. Eunice Salas said they will be deploying all their available vehicles to assist the commuters who would be stranded by the transport strike, especially during the rush hours on Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30.
“We have 90 availale vehicles that will be placed on standby to provide free rides to our kababayan who would be affected by the transport strike,” said Salas.
She said the NCRPO vehicles will be added to the vehicles that will be placed on standby by the local government units and other government agencies.