PRO-NIR deploys 74 vehicles for free rides

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region deployed 74 patrol vehicles on Thursday to provide free rides to commuters during the nationwide transport strike staged over rising fuel prices.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said 74 police vehicles were used for the “Libreng Sakay” service.

The vehicles came from the Bacolod City Police Office, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Siquijor Provincial Police Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office.

Malong said police visibility and deployment were intensified across the region to maintain peace and order and public safety, while regular police operations continued without interruption.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said authorities were fully prepared to assist commuters and that the initiative underscored the police force’s public service role.

He also assured the public that police personnel remained on full alert.

Earlier this week, transport and progressive groups staged a protest in Bacolod in response to rising fuel prices.

The protesters called for the suspension of excise taxes on fuel, the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, lower prices for basic goods, wage increases and fuel subsidies for drivers and operators.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city government was exploring measures to ease the impact of higher fuel costs on transportation, livelihoods and essential commodities.

He said the city continued to monitor oil prices and coordinate with the Department of Energy and fuel industry stakeholders to ensure transparency and compliance with regulations.

Gasataya also said fuel monitoring and inspection teams remained active in checking local gas stations to protect consumers from possible price manipulation or irregularities.