NCRPO provides free rides, deploys 2,245 cops amid transpo strike

(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES)

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has deployed service vehicles for its “Libreng Sakay” (free ride) drive for Metro Manila commuters affected by the nationwide transport strike. 

NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said his office has also dispatched over 2,000 personnel in crowded areas such as terminals and other places of engagements as early as 4 a.m. 

“A total of 17 truck vehicles, including two buses and two patrol jeepneys from NCRPO, were mobilized to ferry affected commuters all over Metro Manila. Meanwhile, a total of 88 vehicles from the five police districts will also be used for the said purpose,” Nartatez said in a statement issued on Monday. 

“A total of 2,245 NCRPO personnel was also deployed in different areas of concern, particularly at passenger pick-up and drop-off points, to respond to any adverse situation [arising] from the misunderstanding between the groups’ drivers,” he added.

Besides NCRPO’s free ride initiative, several local government units have also mobilized their assets to assist affected commuters.

Last October 9, transport group Manibela said it would stage a nationwide strike against alleged corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

gsg/abc