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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Dual purpose: PNP eyes use of cars doing beat patrols for free rides

Dual purpose: PNP eyes use of cars doing beat patrols for free rides

Published Mar 19, 2026 11:03 am
Personnel of the Bulacan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), led by Officer-in-Charge Major Norheda Gilman-Usman, conducted “Libreng Sakay” along MacArthur Highway from Malolos City to Calumpit to help affected passengers reach their destinations. (Photo from PMFC)
Personnel of the Bulacan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), led by Officer-in-Charge Major Norheda Gilman-Usman, conducted “Libreng Sakay” along MacArthur Highway from Malolos City to Calumpit to help affected passengers reach their destinations. (Photo from PMFC)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting assessment and review on how its patrol cars could provide free rides to as many commuters across the country amid strain in public transport due to rising fuel costs.
The plan to maximize the use of patrol cars conducting beat patrols is in response to the commitment made by President Marcos for the national government to exert all efforts to assist both the PUV sector and the commuters.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said they are exploring the use of beat patrol assets to fetch stranded commuters to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.
“We are currently evaluating our assets to see where we can deploy our patrol vehicles to assist without compromising response time. Our goal is simply to bridge the gap,” Nartatez explained.
“While our primary duty is security, our beat patrollers are instructed to assist stranded commuters as part of our community-oriented policing,” he added.
On Wednesday, March 18, President Marcos announced that the national government will roll out Libreng Sakay programs and fuel subsidies to help transport workers and commuters cope with rising fuel prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Transport groups have warned of possible service disruptions, prompting government agencies to look for stopgap measures to keep commuters moving.
Nartatez said coordination is underway with transport and local authorities to align routes and deployment for the Libreng Sakay program in support of the national government’s efforts to maximize the assistance to commuters.
He said pilot areas may be identified based on commuter demand and transport gaps. Further announcements are expected once deployment plans are finalized.
Nartatez emphasized that public safety remains the organization’s top priority even as the police step in to assist.
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