The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) deployed 165 vehicles to various areas in the six provinces to provide “Libreng Sakay” (free rides) to passengers affected by the nationwide transport strike on Monday.

In an interview, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said the vehicle dispatch started at 7 a.m. Monday and will continue until Tuesday night to help commuters traveling to and from their workplaces and destinations.

The 165 vehicles are from Albay Provincial Police Office (PPO)–11; Camarines Norte PPO–14; Camarines Sur PPO–40; Catanduanes PPO–17; Masbate PPO–21; Sorsogon PPO–48; Naga City Police Office–eight; Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5–four; and Regional Headquarters-two.

Calubaquib said over 3,000 police personnel were deployed to provide safety and security.

“During the strike, our Civil Disturbance Management contingents were prepared to operate drones, assist with traffic control, conduct checkpoints, and provide transport escorts to ensure that while the transport groups exercise their rights, peace and order are maintained,” she said.

In a statement, PRO5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon ordered the police personnel to always exercise maximum tolerance.

“The overall security, safety, and transport convenience of our citizens is our priority. Rest assured that your PNP (Philippine National Police) is always ready to extend a helping hand,” Dizon said.

The free ride was among the directives of the PNP Chief, Gen. Rommel Marbil, to ensure maximum deployment of traffic personnel and road safety marshals to prevent a possible disruption of peace and order and ensure the safety of commuters.

Earlier, Albay Governor and Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair Edcel Greco A.B. Lagman issued an advisory suspending face-to-face classes at all levels of public and private schools including tertiary levels.

“Primary and secondary classes under the Department of Education will continue with asynchronous classes. Face-to-face in both public and private institutions will be suspended from April 15-16,” the advisory read.

However, there was no suspension of work in private and public offices in the province.

Meanwhile, the Bicol Intercity Transport Cooperative (BITCoop) shunned the transport strike and continued its operation.

“Our services will continue to operate smoothly, providing safe and reliable transportation for our community,” BITCoop said in a social media post.

The nationwide transport strike was organized by the transport groups Piston and Manibela. (PNA)