Police Mobilize Nationwide Ahead of Transport Strike Over Fuel Price Concerns
The Philippine National Police has activated comprehensive security preparations ahead of a nationwide transport strike scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026. Police units across urban centers have been deployed to monitor potential flashpoints and implement early intervention measures to protect both commuters and non-participating transport operators.
Strategic Police Deployment and Commuter Protection Plans
PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that local police commanders have intensified surveillance operations to identify areas likely to be affected by the transport stoppage. "While we understand the concerns being raised by those in the public transportation sector, we hope they reconsider their decision to hold a strike," Nartatez stated in an official release. "This is really not a time for that."
Despite this appeal, the police force has established concrete measures to manage the situation. Nartatez has directed all regional commanders to coordinate directly with strike organizers from transport group PISTON to ensure protest activities remain peaceful and do not disrupt public order. The PNP chief emphasized that the national police's primary objective is preventing tension between protesters, commuters, and law enforcement personnel.
Libreng Sakay Program and Route Planning
In anticipation of transportation disruptions, the PNP has prepared police vehicles for deployment under its "Libreng Sakay" (Free Ride) program. This initiative aims to assist commuters who may be stranded by the temporary suspension of public transport services. Police commanders have been instructed to identify strategic routes where these free transportation services can reach the maximum number of affected citizens.
Nartatez explained the logistical preparations: "We have instructed local police chiefs to prepare vehicles and map out key transportation corridors. Our goal is to minimize public inconvenience while maintaining our peacekeeping mandate."
Transport Group's Nationwide Action
The planned strike was called by PISTON (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide) in response to escalating fuel prices connected to ongoing Middle East conflicts. According to PISTON National President Mody Floranda, the transport stoppage will extend beyond Metro Manila to encompass multiple regions across the Philippines.
Floranda confirmed that the strike represents a collective response from transport workers facing unsustainable operating costs due to continuous fuel price increases. The group maintains that government intervention is necessary to address what they describe as a crisis affecting both transport operators and the riding public.
Police Appeal for Self-Regulation
Beyond logistical preparations, General Nartatez has appealed directly to strike organizers to exercise internal discipline among participants. "We urge protest leaders to police their own ranks," the PNP chief emphasized. "Orderly demonstrations that respect public rights will receive appropriate police support and protection."
The police readiness follows previous deployments during transport strikes, including a September 2025 operation at Philcoa along Commonwealth Avenue where officers managed protest activities. Current preparations reflect lessons learned from those earlier engagements, with particular attention to urban transportation hubs and major thoroughfares.
As Thursday approaches, the PNP maintains that while it respects the right to peaceful protest, its overriding responsibility remains ensuring public safety and maintaining unimpeded access to essential services for all citizens during the planned transport disruption.
