BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported a generally peaceful, safe, and orderly conduct of the three-day nationwide transport strike from April 15 to 17, with no untoward incidents recorded across the region.
According to PRO-NIR, the smooth outcome of the mass action reflects the effectiveness of security measures put in place, as well as the cooperation and discipline shown by the public throughout the duration of the strike.
In close coordination with local government units and partner agencies, police authorities implemented comprehensive security preparations.
Personnel were strategically deployed in key areas, including transport terminals, major thoroughfares, and identified convergence points, to ensure visibility and rapid response capability, said Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of PRO-NIR.
Security forces included area security units, mobile patrol teams, Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) contingents, and the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF).
Malong said these units were positioned to address any potential disruptions, maintain traffic flow, and ensure continuous monitoring of activities across the region.
To assist affected commuters, the Philippine National Police (PNP) rolled out its “Libre Sakay” program, deploying 75 mobile patrol vehicles to provide free rides.
The initiative helped ease the burden on the riding public and minimized inconvenience during the strike period.
The PNP closely monitored transport-related demonstrations held in several areas of Bacolod City, including Lacson Street, the Bata Flyover in Barangay Bata, the Magsaysay Flyover along Araneta Street in Barangay Singcang Airport, and the Burgos–Lopez Jaena Streets intersection in Barangay 27.
An estimated 125 individuals, along with 53 public utility jeepneys, participated in the demonstrations.
The rallyists raised concerns over rising fuel costs and called for policy reforms, including the reduction of oil prices, removal of value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on fuel, and the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law.
Protest messages also highlighted the impact of high energy costs on Filipino families and urged the government to prioritize public service over profit.
PRO-NIR emphasized that all operations were conducted in accordance with standard procedures, ensuring respect for the public’s right to peaceful assembly while maintaining order through maximum tolerance and professionalism.
The regional office expressed its appreciation to the public and partner stakeholders for their cooperation, noting that the incident-free conduct of the strike underscores the importance of community partnership in upholding public safety.
The Bacolod City government also provided a “libre sakay” (free ride) program during the transport strike period./PN
