The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be monitoring the three-day transport strike in Metro Manila and other parts of the country and assist stranded commuters, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Tuesday.
Transport group Manibela will stage a nationwide strike from Sept. 17 to 19, while Piston will hold its strike on Sept. 18.
“Police commanders were tasked to coordinate with the local government units for the deployment of police mobility assets in cases of stranded commuters,” Nartatez said.
He assured that the PNP respects the concerns of transport groups but emphasized the need to balance the rights of those who strike, drivers who continue to operate, and commuters.
“Subalit kailangan nating balansehin ang kanilang karapatang mag-strike at karapatan ng ibang tsuper na mamasada at maghanap-buhay — kasama na rin ang karapatan ng mga commuter na huwag maabala,” he said.
The PNP will also discuss safety measures with the organizers of the Sept. 21 protest against corruption in flood control projects to ensure a peaceful and orderly event.
“Sa darating na Linggo, huwag po nating ituring na kaaway ang inyong kapulisan, sa halip ay ang inyong kaagapay sa pagtitiyak na ang inyong karapatang maglabas ng mga saloobin ay mapapakinggan at igagalang,” Nartatez said.
He added there are no indications of any serious threat to the planned protest and assured that sufficient police personnel will be deployed.