CAMP BGEN VICENTE P LIM, Calamba City: The Police Regional Office Region Calabarzon (PRO 4A), under regional director BGen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, declared its readiness for a two-day transport strike to be staged by transport groups Piston and Manibela on April 15 and April 16.
Lucas said he has directed all police provincial directors within PRO Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) to oversee the conduct of the transport strike in their respective areas of responsibility by formulating contingency plans in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and other law enforcement agencies.
The PRO 4A also organized a Reactionary Standby Support Force poised and prepared for immediate deployment upon orders. A red team will be assigned to inspect and visit all places of convergence, and civil disturbance management units have been activated to address any potential disruptions.
The police encouraged the residents to stay at home if there is no important matter to attend outside their residence.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police and LGU buses and trucks will be utilized for the "Libreng Sakay Program," which will offer transportation services during the strike.
Lucas advised the public to anticipate potential travel delays due to PNP checkpoints, coordinated with the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Highway Patrol Group.
Police presence will be increased on roads, terminals and gathering areas to ensure smooth movement of goods and services.
Lucas urged personnel manning checkpoints and conducting police operations to exercise maximum tolerance and respect for human rights.
"To our policemen, be cool and extra patient in our duty. It is also my call on our policemen to strictly observe 'No Using of Cellphone while on Duty' in accordance with the directive of our Chief PNP PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, except in cases of emergency. Anyone caught transgressing this rule will be penalized," he said.
Meanwhile, Lucas assured the public that public safety and security is their priority.
"We urge everyone to cooperate with our authorities and support us maintain in making our region a safer place to live, work and do business toward achieving 'Bagong Pilipinas' where our policemen have only one wish: your safety," he said.