LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Police Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon, Police Regional Office-5 director, said the situation in the Bicol region was normal amid the ongoing nationwide transport strike on Monday, September 23.
Dizon said that no rallies have been monitored in any part of the region and transportation is normal based on their monitoring as of 9 a.m. on Monday.
He said that they have deployed 3,194 police personnel to man peace and order in the region.
Fourteen vehicles are on stand-by as part of the PNP-Bicol's “Libreng Sakay” (free rides) for stranded commuters.
These vehicles were strategically deployed. One was from the regional headquarters, 12 from the Albay Police Provincial Office (APPO), and one from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-5.
They went around key areas to ensure that commuters reach their destinations without undue delay, Dizon said.
"PRO-5 remains vigilant and prepared to extend necessary assistance, closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and convenience," he added.
Classes on all levels public and private schools in Albay have shifted from face-to-face to flexible modalities such as online or modular due to the strike.
The Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) issued the advisory as early as Sunday afternoon as part of the countermeasures for affected commuters.