MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has announced readiness to deploy its fleet of vehicles to aid commuters during a three-day transport strike set to coincide with the end of the jeepney franchise consolidation on April 30. The NCRPO will utilize all 90 of its available vehicles from Monday to Wednesday to provide free transportation, particularly during peak travel times.
According to Philippines News Agency, chief information officer of the NCRPO, the vehicles will be on standby to assist those affected by the disruption. Additionally, NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that 7,957 officers would be deployed to maintain public safety and that all personnel were placed on full alert as part of the contingency planning.
The transport strike, prompted by the mandatory consolidation of jeepney franchises under the public utility vehicle modernization program, follows a declaration by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that there would be no further extensions beyond the April 30 deadline.
In response to the anticipated disruptions, the Department of Education (DepEd) has suspended face-to-face classes in all public schools across the nation, citing both the strike and the persistently high heat index as reasons. The DepEd has directed that all public schools implement asynchronous learning or distance education for April 29 and 30. It also stated that school personnel are not required to be physically present at their workplaces on these dates.
However, the advisory does not apply to private schools. The DepEd has also mentioned that regional and school division offices may continue with scheduled activities like the Regional Athletic Association Meets, provided that safety measures are adequately addressed.