TITLE: PNP Deploys Thousands, Assures Order Amid Two-Day Transport Strike
The Philippine National Police (PNP) mobilized more than 7,000 officers across the National Capital Region, implementing extensive security measures to ensure public safety and minimize disruption during a two-day transport strike that began Monday. PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. affirmed the force’s readiness, stating, “We understand the concerns raised by the transport group on this particular issue. Just like all the other motorists, we in the PNP are also affected by the oil price increase.”
This widespread police deployment underscores the government’s serious concern over potential unrest and the significant inconvenience posed by the coordinated protest, which threatened to paralyze key public transport routes. The strike highlights a deepening chasm between public utility vehicle operators grappling with soaring fuel costs and a regulatory framework perceived as unresponsive, ultimately placing the burden on millions of daily commuters navigating Manila’s congested thoroughfares.
The scale of the police operation in the capital alone reflected a meticulously planned response to maintain order while facilitating movement. Data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) detailed the diverse allocation of personnel. Among those deployed were 11 drone operators, tasked with overhead monitoring of protest activities to provide real-time situational awareness. A substantial contingent of 302 personnel formed the Reactionary Standby Support Force, poised to respond swiftly to any unforeseen developments. Furthermore, 491 civil disturbance management personnel were positioned strategically, ready to ensure that any assemblies remained peaceful and orderly. An additional 1,306 officers were held in reserve, providing a robust backup capacity to the frontline units.
Beyond direct crowd management, the NCRPO committed significant resources to alleviate the strike’s impact on daily life. A total of 126 officers were assigned specifically for traffic assistance, aiming to mitigate congestion caused by reduced public transport availability and diverted routes. Concurrently, 457 personnel were dedicated to checkpoint operations, with another 355 manning border control points, reinforcing security and monitoring movement across regional boundaries. For maximum visibility and rapid response, a substantial 1,542 personnel were assigned to foot patrols, complemented by 1,344 on mobile patrols and 1,068 on motorcycle patrols, ensuring police presence across a broad spectrum of urban landscapes. An additional 635 officers were stationed at fixed visibility posts, further enhancing the command’s reach and responsiveness.
The genesis of the two-day action, spearheaded by the transport group Manibela, lies in profound and persistent economic grievances. Mar Valbuena, president of Manibela, articulated the group’s deep frustration over the relentless increase in fuel prices, which he noted were “already reaching P100” per liter. For drivers of jeepneys, UV Express vans, motorcycle taxis, and other transport network vehicle services, fuel consistently represents the most significant operational expense, directly eroding their daily earnings and threatening their livelihoods.
Valbuena directed sharp criticism at government regulators, particularly the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), for what he described as their failure to approve a requested P2 fare increase. Despite multiple hearings and discussions, no concrete decision had been reached on the fare hike, prompting Valbuena to accuse authorities of “giving drivers and operators false hope.” He argued that this inaction not only burdened transport workers but ultimately passed the financial strain onto the commuting public. Manibela’s advocacy extends beyond immediate fare adjustments, pushing for more fundamental legislative changes, including the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law and the removal of taxes on fuel products, which they contend are necessary to provide lasting relief from price volatility.
The strike’s immediate impact was acutely felt by commuters across Metro Manila, particularly during Monday morning’s rush hour. Major thoroughfares, including the sprawling Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, saw a noticeable reduction in public utility vehicles. This scarcity led to considerably longer wait times at terminals and bus stops, with many commuters reporting crowded conditions as they vied for the limited available transport.
In response to the anticipated inconvenience, government agencies, including the PNP and various local government units (LGUs), mobilized assets to offer "libreng sakay" or free rides. Police vehicles, along with LGU-provided buses and vans, were deployed to ferry stranded passengers. However, despite these efforts, the availability of free rides could not fully offset the void left by thousands of striking drivers. Many daily commuters faced difficult choices, opting to walk extended distances, pay exorbitant fares for less regulated alternative transport, or simply miss work or crucial appointments, disrupting their daily routines and economic productivity.
The educational sector was quick to respond to the unfolding transportation crisis, with numerous prominent universities across Metro Manila adjusting their class schedules to mitigate student and faculty disruption. The University of Santo Tomas moved all its classes to a virtual instruction mode for Monday, ensuring academic continuity. Similarly, Adamson University and Emilio Aguinaldo College Manila transitioned to online learning, allowing students to continue their studies from home.
Far Eastern University adopted a more extended approach, adjusting its schedule to conduct synchronous online classes through Wednesday, thereby covering the entirety of the strike and its immediate aftermath across its Manila and Makati campuses. The Technological Institute of the Philippines also announced online class suspensions for Tuesday at its Manila and Quezon City campuses. While some institutions, such as the University of the East, maintained in-person classes, they issued instructions for faculty to extend leniency and consideration to students affected by transport shortages, acknowledging the widespread and unavoidable disruption to mobility.
The two-day transport strike is a stark reminder of the delicate and often precarious balance that policymakers in the Philippines must navigate: addressing deep-seated economic pressures, upholding the constitutional right of transport groups to hold peaceful assemblies, and ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential public services. The robust deployment by the PNP, while successful in maintaining peace and order, simultaneously underscored the depth of the systemic challenges facing Philippine policymakers in devising sustainable solutions to recurrent issues of fuel cost volatility and the economic hardships confronting public utility vehicle operators and drivers.
The PNP’s proactive coordination with LGUs and partner agencies to assist stranded commuters, as directed by General Nartatez Jr., highlighted a commitment to public service that transcends the immediate enforcement of order. This dual mandate, ensuring peace while respecting protest rights and supporting the public, remains a complex undertaking. As the strike concludes, both government bodies and transport organizations face renewed pressure to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the root causes of discontent. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the cessation of this protest marks a temporary reprieve or a catalyst for substantive policy reforms that can prevent future disruptions, offering lasting relief to both drivers and the commuting public.