PNP: Calabarzon cops ready for transport, Labor Day protests

INQUIRER FILES

LUCENA CITY — The Philippine National Police in the Calabarzon region are ready to deal with the transport strikers and the Labor Day protesters.

Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, Police Region 4A (PRO-4A) director, has ordered all police chiefs in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon provinces to monitor the conduct of the transport strike in coordination with the local governments and other government agencies to protect the strikers, commuters, and public properties, the regional police Public Information Office (PIO) said.

“In anticipation of any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, we have also planned for a comprehensive emergency response to ensure prompt and effective assistance to anyone needing medical attention or other forms of assistance during the strike,” Lucas stated.

The PIO said the PRO-4A Reactionary Standby Support Force was ready for deployment and augmentation, along with the civil disturbance management units, to address any potential disruptions during the strike.

READ: PNP units on heightened alert amid expected Labor Day protests

Transport and labor groups have declared a three-day nationwide strike starting Monday, April 29, through Wednesday, May 1, Labor Day, to continue the protest against the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program, which they feared would take thousands of traditional jeepneys off the roads.

The PIO said the government would use its buses, and trucks to provide commuters with free transportation.

However, the authorities appealed to the public “to stay at home if there was no important matter to attend to outside their residences” during the strike.

Lucas ordered all personnel manning checkpoints and conducting police operations “to exercise maximum tolerance and respect for human rights” in dealing with strikers and protesters. INQ