NCRPO READY FOR 3-DAY TRANSPORT STRIKE, DEPED SUSPENDS FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES

THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be deploying  around 8,000 policemen to secure areas in Metro Manila during the three-day transport strike on April 29 to May 1.

The transport strike is in time for the April 30 deadline set by President Marcos to consolidate into a cooperative or corporation, which is a major requirement for jeepney operators and drivers to continue their franchise.

President Marcos earlier said the deadline for the franchise consolidation under the public utility vehicle modernization program would no longer be extended.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said 7,957 cops will be out to ensure public safety during the three-day strike.

“We are ready to ensure the safety of the public during the transport strike from April 29 to May 1. We also placed our men under full alert status as part of our contingency plan for the transport strike,” Nartatez said.

According to NCRPO chief information officer Lt. Col. Eunice Salas, all 90 vehicles of the NCRPO are ready for dispatch from Monday to Wednesday, especially during rush hours.

“We have 90 available vehicles that will be placed on standby to provide free rides to our kababayan who would be affected by the transport strike,” Salas said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools nationwide due to the strike and the continuing high heat index.

“All public schools nationwide shall implement asynchronous classes/distance learning on April 29 and 30, 2024. Likewise, teaching and non-teaching personnel in all public schools shall not be required to report to their respective stations,” the DepEd advisory read.