The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, that a multi-day transport strike staged by driver groups in Metro Manila failed to cause widespread disruption to public transportation or leave large numbers of commuters stranded.
Speaking during a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP Spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co stated that law enforcement monitored a localized presence across the capital, counting 11 protest gatherings involving an estimated 275 total participants.
“In Metro Manila, we monitored a total of 11 protest movements or protest rallies as well as an estimated 275 participants,” Co told reporters. “Initial evaluation showed that not many people joined the strike and there was no large-scale effect to our commuters.”
To mitigate potential transport shortages, the PNP deployed 8,643 police personnel across Metro Manila to preserve public order and mobilized government mobility assets to provide free rides (Libreng Sakay) to stranded passengers.
The transport strikes were called by transport groups Manibela and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) in response to rising domestic fuel prices.
While Manibela originally called for a three-day strike running from Monday through Wednesday, the group suspended its remaining demonstrations for Tuesday and Wednesday to pursue dialogue with transportation authorities. PISTON, which planned separate demonstrations, proceeded with its scheduled protest actions.