The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the nationwide transport strike and protest staged on Thursday, March 19, remained orderly and peaceful based on its monitoring.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, PNP spokesperson Randulf Tuaño said the situation on the ground remained calm.
“Sa ngayon po nananatiling tahimik at payapa ‘yung ongoing na transport strike. May mga namonitor tayong report na mga nagsimula at agad din naman natapos,” Tuaño said.
According to the PNP, more than 50,000 personnel were deployed nationwide to monitor the situation. In Metro Manila, initial deployment reached around 9,900 officers, but the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) later reduced this to about 9,200 after assessing that fewer personnel were needed.
“Sa kabuuan, nationwide ang inilatag natin na deployment ay umabot sa 50,000 plus at sa Metro Manila alone from 9,900 nakita naman ng NCRPO na hindi naman kailangan ‘yung ganoon karami kaya ibinaba nila ang bilang sa 9,200+ lang,” he added.
Earlier, NCRPO Director Anthony Aberin said nearly 10,000 police officers had been positioned across Metro Manila to oversee the strike and related protest actions. He emphasized that the deployment aimed to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful while protecting public safety.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reiterated that authorities respect the public’s right to peaceful assembly but will not allow any disruption that could endanger commuters and the general public.
The PNP also prepared more than 1,300 free rides to assist stranded passengers if necessary.
The strike was organized by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), a transport group opposing what it described as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sudden reversal of an earlier approved fare increase.
The group also raised concerns over the continued rise in fuel prices, which they attributed to tensions in the Middle East, and called for the immediate suspension of value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on petroleum products.
