Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized sufficient personnel and resources to assist in maintaining peace and order during the three-day transport strike starting Tuesday. In a statement on Monday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police commanders were also instructed to coordinate with local government units and other government agencies for a unified response to cushion the effects of the transport strike.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez emphasized that police personnel would be on the ground not only to secure the protest action but also to assess areas needing mobility assets for commuters that may be stranded. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure public safety, maintain smooth mobility, and guarantee uninterrupted essential services during significant public activities such as transport strikes.

Nartatez mentioned that the aim is to ensure the protest is conducted peacefully and orderly, similar to past activities. Police officers will be deployed to key transport hubs, main thoroughfares, and affected routes to maintain peace and order. Police vehicles will be on standby to provide immediate assistance to commuters facing delays or transportation difficulties.

He assured the public of the PNP's commitment to working closely with transport groups and other stakeholders to prevent disruptions and ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the strike. Transport group Manibela announced a nationwide transport strike from Dec. 9 to 11 to protest what it described as excessive penalties and the slow processing of government documents. It has indicated the possibility of extending the strike, but Nartatez assured that the PNP's security and assistance measures will remain in place for as long as necessary.

In previous strikes, no untoward incidents were reported due to the close coordination and cooperation between transport groups and authorities.