PNP on Alert for Transport Strike Amid Oil Price Protests

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is gearing up for Monday’s transport strike, with units on alert to maintain public order and assist commuters who may be stranded amid protests over rising oil prices. Transport group Manibela is set to hold a strike on Monday to protest continued increases in oil prices. The PNP said it would deploy additional police personnel to major thoroughfares and transport terminals in Metro Manila and other parts of the country to ensure the safety of the public and to prevent any untoward incidents. “We are on alert and ready to assist commuters who might be affected by the strike,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement. Acorda said the PNP would also ensure that the strike would be peaceful and orderly, and that participants would not resort to violence or intimidation. He added that the PNP would work closely with local government units and other relevant agencies to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance to affected commuters. The transport strike is expected to cause heavy traffic and inconvenience to commuters, especially those who rely on public transportation for their daily commute. Transport groups have been protesting the continuous increase in oil prices, which they say has been severely affecting their livelihood. They have called on the government to provide subsidies and other forms of assistance to drivers and operators to cushion the impact of the rising fuel costs. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo