Metro Manila police ensures security, assistance during 3-day transport strike

MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) ensured public safety and assistance to commuters who may be affected by the transport strike Monday to Wednesday.

NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano directed all police districts and stations to coordinate with concerned local government units, transport authorities, and other partner agencies to ensure that security and public assistance measures are in place, particularly in areas expected to experience high passenger volumes and transportation disruptions.

“Our police presence will be visible in strategic areas throughout Metro Manila. Our objective is not to interfere with the peaceful exercise of rights, but to make sure that everyone -- the protesters, commuters, motorists, drivers, and the general public -- can go about their activities safely,” Abrahano said in a news release over the weekend.

He said NCRPO will respect the right of transport groups to peacefully express their concerns, but appealed to all participants to ensure that their protest remains orderly and to respect operators and drivers who may choose to continue providing public transportation services during the strike.

“Let us make our voices heard without causing harm, intimidation, or unnecessary inconvenience to the public,” he said.

Police visibility operations will be intensified in transport terminals, major thoroughfares, convergence points, business districts, schools, commercial areas and other locations where significant numbers of commuters are expected.

“We understand that many of our workers, students, senior citizens and other commuters still need to reach their destinations despite the transport strike. The NCRPO is ready to assist our affected passengers, including through our ‘Libreng Sakay’ (free ride) operations, so that they can safely reach their workplaces, schools, homes and other destinations,” he said.

“Our officers will be there to assist, not only to maintain peace and order. If we see commuters who are stranded or having difficulty getting transportation, we will do what we can within our mandate to help them.” (PNA)