The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said that they had placed their units of heightened alert status in the wake of the week-long transport holiday on Monday, organized by several transportation groups.

In a radio interview, PNP Public Information Office chief Police Colonel Red Maranan said that this means that 80% of the police force will be on duty.

This is to provide assistance and security to commuters who will be affected by the transport strike.

“Itataas natin ang ating alert status. Magpapakalat tayo ng mga police natin doon sa mga lugar kung saan sumasakay ang ating mga kababayan para makapagbigay tayo ng kaukulang seguridad sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

(We will raise our alert status. We will be deploying police personnel to area where there are many commuters and our fellow Filipinos can be assured of safety and security)

According to Maranan they will allocate their available mobile patrol vehicles to provide free rides to commuters to their destinations.

Likewise, Maranan advised the public to be cautious as well as refrain from going out, especially if there are no important plans.

It will be recalled that transport groups had announced a strike in the National Capital Region and Central Luzon from March 6 to 12.

This is to oppose the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles powered by more environment-friendly fuels. 

Meanwhile, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said that tricycles will be allowed to ply the main streets of the city due to the transport strike.

Mayor Francis Zamora said that this is to give alternate forms of public transport.

He likewise announced free rides in key areas in the city. 

Catherine R. Cueto