By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

TRANSPORT STRIKE. Traditional jeepneys slow down during rush hour traffic along Elliptical Road in Quezon City on Wednesday (March 18, 2026). Transport group PISTON will lead a nationwide transport strike on Thursday (March 19) to press for more government support amid rising oil prices. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed close to 10,000 personnel for the transport strike on Thursday to provide security and commuter assistance in the National Capital Region.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PNP said of the 9,979 personnel deployed, 571 are assigned to fixed posts; 1,564 to mobile patrols; 1,298 to motorcycle patrols; and 2,312 to foot patrols.

Another 193 personnel will provide traffic assistance while 1,701 will man checkpoints, the PNP said.

A total of 585 Civil Disturbance Management personnel were also deployed, with 1,604 on standby. The force will be supported by 428 Reactionary Standby Support Force personnel and 59 drone operators.

The PNP is coordinating with government agencies and local units to support “Libreng Sakay” programs for stranded passengers.

“The PNP is prepared and ready. We are fully deployed to ensure that our fellow Filipinos remain safe and can still go about their daily activities despite the situation,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

Though the PNP respects the right to peaceful assembly, Nartatez said they will not allow any disruption that will endanger public safety. (PNP)