MANILA (December 9) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy personnel across the country to secure protest sites and assist commuters as the three-day transport strike led by Manibela begins Tuesday, December 9.
Acting PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said all police commanders have been ordered to coordinate closely with local governments and transport agencies to minimize disruptions, especially in high-traffic urban centers.
Nartatez said police presence will be intensified along major routes, terminals, business districts, and known bottlenecks, where stranded commuters are most likely to gather.
“Our personnel will be on the ground not only to secure the protest action but also to assess areas that need mobility assets for our kababayan who may be stranded,” he said in a statement Monday, December 8.
The PNP is preparing to deploy mobility vehicles—including trucks and patrol vans—to ferry commuters during peak hours, a standard measure during nationwide transport strikes.
Why Manibela is striking
Transport group Manibela earlier announced a December 9–11 nationwide strike to protest what it calls excessive penalties, slow government processing of transport-related documents, and the continued requirement for unconsolidated public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to secure provisional authorities.
The group argues that the process forces small operators into additional fees and paperwork at a time when costs are already rising.
Manibela chair Mar Valbuena warned that the strike may be extended if no action is taken on their demands.
What commuters can expect
With the strike spanning three weekdays, authorities anticipate delays and longer queues in affected areas, though the extent will depend on participation from transport groups outside Manibela.
Nartatez assured the public that police units are ready to maintain peace and order and provide mobility assistance “as needed and without delay.”
