9,000 cops deployed due to transport strike

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MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said that it mobilized 9,000 policemen across Metro Manila to provide security and assistance operations during the strike of transport group PISTON. 

In a statement on Thursday, March 19, the NCRPO said that it deployed Civil Disturbance Management, Special Weapons and Tactics and dedicated Traffic Management teams.

The police personnel have been stationed along major thoroughfares and transit hubs to prevent security threats and ensure that the flow of commuters remains as uninterrupted as possible despite the protest action, according to the NCRPO.

“We are fully ready for this transport strike. The NCRPO’s primary task is to ensure that peace, safety, and order are maintained. We’ve positioned our personnel in key areas to prevent security problems, assist with traffic management, and, most importantly, ensure that commuters are not inconvenienced. We will be vigilant, swift and responsive,” NCRPO Chief Anthony Aberin said in a statement. 

The NCRPO also said that it integrated its efforts with local government units and traffic enforcement agencies for "Libreng Sakay" or free ride initiative, which has been deployed specifically in Manila and Quezon City. 

PISTON commenced their transport strike on Thursday, in protest against fuel surges. They also want to compel the government to put a price cap on fuel and implement a P5 fake hike for jeepneys. 

The PNP previously said it would deploy approximately 180,000 personnel nationwide to ensure peace and order during the transport strike.