The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that the two-day transport strike held on March 26 and 27 was conducted peacefully, despite ongoing protests over rising fuel prices caused by tensions in the Middle East.
According to the PNP, no major incidents were recorded in affected areas, including the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Authorities documented 33 strike activities participated in by a total of 1,912 individuals.
Police personnel were deployed to key locations to ensure public safety, maintain traffic flow, and assist in implementing free rides in coordination with local governments and partner agencies.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended both law enforcers and demonstrators for their conduct.
“I commend our personnel for staying professional and restrained, and our kababayan for expressing their concerns in a peaceful manner. That’s how democracy should work—may boses ang tao, pero may respeto sa batas at kapwa,” he said.
He further emphasized the balance between protecting rights and ensuring public order.
“Hindi namin pipigilan ang karapatan ng bawat isa na magpahayag. Pero sisiguraduhin din namin na walang maaabala, walang malalagay sa peligro. That is our job, and we will continue to do it fairly and firmly,” Nartatez added.