AROUND 8,000 policemen will be deployed in Metro Manila to ensure peace and order during the three-day transport strike that will be staged by transport group PISTON starting today, Monday.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) also said some 90 police vehicles have been readied to provide free rides to commuters who might be affected by the strike.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said the Department of Transportation will issue a statement about the strike but no such statement has been issued so far at press time. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board also has not issued a statement.
NCRPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Eunice Salas said the NCRPO, under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is “prepared to ensure the safety of the public.”
“More or less 7,957 policemen will be deployed across Metro Manila to ensure peace and order during the three-day transport strike,” said Salas
“Also, 90 (police) vehicles) are on standby to provide free rides to commuters who may be affected by the said transport strike,” said Salas.
He said these would be on top of the vehicles that would be deployed by local government units and other government agencies to provide free rides to the public.
“We have raised full alert status as part of the contingency plan in connection with the transport strike,” Salas said.
Piston said it is holding the transport strike to protest the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program and the April 30 deadline for the consolidation of jeepney franchises.
Earlier reports quoted Piston deputy secretary general Ruben Baylon as saying another transport group, Manibela, is also preparing to join the transport strike.
Piston will also join the Labor Day protests being organized by the labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).
Salas urged the striking drivers and operators to “cooperate with authorities.”
“Follow existing laws and ordinances related to freedom of expression, mass actions, and utilization of freedom parks where the rallyists can conduct their assembly,” he said.
“In cases where organizers decide to conduct their rally in any place they determine, a permit should be granted by the local executive before the assembly,” said Salas.
Salas also urged the commuters for their cooperation and patience by allowing the striking divers and operators “to voice out their concerns.”
