The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured assistance for passengers who may be affected by the nationwide transport strike on Monday.
“Nakahanda ang PNP na magbigay ng seguridad para sa nakaambang nationwide transport strike. Panawagan ng PNP sa lahat ng lalahok dito, manatiling masunurin sa batas at huwag magtangkang gumawa ng anumang bagay na ikakaperwisyo ng publiko (The PNP is ready to secure the public in view of the nationwide transport strike. The PNP calls on all those who will join the strike to abide by the laws and refrain from doing anything that will be a nuisance to the public),” PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.
As of Monday noon Banac said the nationwide transport strike remains peaceful and orderly with no untoward incidents reported nationwide.
In many ways, the local government units, the MMDA, and local police units all helped in providing transport services to stranded commuters.
“The PNP remains vigilant and alert to prevent the occurrence of crimes and ready to respond to any call for help or assistance,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will mobilize its vehicles to offer free rides to stranded commuters who will be affected by the nationwide transport strike
“We have coordination with the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority). If they need assistance we will provide. The NCRPO is monitoring the transport holiday. We have mobility equipment and other assets ready in order to assist affected passengers,” NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar told the Philippine News Agency when sought for a comment.
He said the police forces will remain pro-active and dedicated to the performance of duty, 24/7 to ensure public order and safety.
Eleazar ordered all of his five District Commanders to deploy police officers on the streets to ensure that no untoward incidents will take place.
The five districts covered by the NCRPO are the Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Northern Police District (NPD), Southern Police District (SPD), and Eastern Police District (EPD).
The Metro Manila top cop also ordered the five district commanders to maintain close coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for any issues that need to be immediately addressed.
The MMDA has suspended the number coding scheme for public utility vehicles.
“In view of the scheduled strike by some transport groups and to help commuters, MMDA suspends the UVVRP or number coding scheme (Monday, September 30, 2019) for all Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) only,” the MMDA said posted its Twitter account.
The LTFRB, earlier, warned PUV drivers and operators not to join the transport strike or face revocation of their franchises.
Major transport groups are holding a protest against the government’s PUVMP, which allows for the phaseout of jeepneys and UV Express services next year, saying that the standards set by the government have made it difficult for them to comply.
The government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) requires operators to replace their jeepneys with vehicles fitted with Euro-4 compliant engines as part of efforts to make an environment-friendly transport system in the country.
Local government units (LGUs) and schools were forced to suspend classes and work due to the transport strike.
The Supreme Court has also announced the suspension of work in all courts in Metro Manila due to the transport strike. (PNA)
