Nearly 10,000 police officers were deployed across Metro Manila on Thursday as transport groups staged widespread strike actions and protests.
According to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Anthony Aberin, the deployment aims to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful while safeguarding public safety.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said authorities respect the public’s right to peaceful assembly but will not allow any disruption that could endanger commuters and the general public.
Police personnel were stationed in key areas to prevent potential security threats, assist in traffic management, and help minimize inconvenience to passengers.
Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) staged a protest on Thursday, opposing what they described as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sudden reversal of the approved fare increase, despite the continued rise in fuel prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.
