By Victor Reyes

POLICEMEN will be deployed to ensure peace and order during the “unity walk” that will be staged today, Monday, by transport groups opposed to a Senate resolution calling for the suspension of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization program.

In a radio interview, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP will establish border patrol and checkpoints “to ensure their protest will be orderly and peaceful.”

Fajardo told the transport groups not to harass drivers refusing to join the protest and would continue to ply their route.

“Other than our regular security coverage during the unity walk tomorrow (today), we will also deploy mobile patrol and other mobility assets if needed,” said Fajardo, referring to vehicles that will provide free rides to commuters who would be affected.

Fajardo, however, did not say how many policemen would be deployed to provide “security coverage.”

“The PNP and other law enforcement agencies are ready to provide security not only for our countrymen who will be affected by the protest but also to their (protesters) ranks,” said Fajardo.

The transport groups are protesting a recent Senate resolution urging the government to suspend the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program, now called the Public Transport Modernization Program.

Senators said the program should be suspended pending the resolution of “valid and urgent” concerns that have been raised by drivers and groups affected by the measure.

Fajardo said the PNP respects the decision of the groups belonging to the National Federation of Transport Cooperatives to protest and air their grievances.

“But we hope there will be no tension, that is what we want to prevent. That is why we are going to establish border control and checkpoints. We will set up border control and checkpoints as early as tonight (Sunday night),” said Fajardo.

Fajardo said they are expecting transport groups from Mimaropa, Bicol, Ilocos and Central Luzon regions to come to Metro Manila to join the protest, set to start from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City up to Mendiola in Manila.

“We hope they will not harass their fellow drivers who will not join (the protest) and will continue to ply their route,” said Fajardo, adding the PNP will exercise its mandate to ensure peace and order during the protest.

“We are going to allow them to express their grievances and hold the activity. But they should understand and respect the rights of other people, especially those who may be affected y traffic congestion,” said Fajardo.

“If possible, help us manage traffic so there will be no obstruction of traffic along the way (of their unity walk),” added Fajardo.