MANILA – The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has rolled out its “Libreng Sakay” (free ride) initiative to assist commuters in Central Luzon who are stranded due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon.
In a statement Tuesday, PRO3 Director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. said he has ordered police units in flood-affected areas to provide free transportation to individuals, especially students, workers, and the elderly, who were left without access to public utility vehicles (PUVs).
“Our ‘Libreng Sakay’ program reflects our deep commitment to public service, especially during times of distress. We understand how difficult it is for our kababayan to get home safely when transportation services are halted due to flooding. The PNP will always be there to lend a helping hand,” said Peñones.
He added that marked police vehicles and mobile patrols have been dispatched to transport passengers from flooded or impassable areas to safer zones, terminals, or their respective homes, while police personnel also ensured that safety protocols were observed during the ride, especially in areas with waist-deep flood or where PUVs could no longer operate.
Aside from providing transportation assistance, police officers also conducted regular patrols and visibility operations in affected communities to prevent criminal activities, monitor road conditions, and coordinate with local government units and rescue units.
“Ang kapakanan ng ating mamamayan ang laging nasa puso ng PRO3 (The welfare of our citizens is always at the heart of PRO3). We are not just peacekeepers; we are partners in safety, security, and compassion,” said Peñones, as he urged the public to immediately approach the nearest police station or personnel in case of emergency, or when in need of transport assistance during weather disturbances.
Meanwhile, Peñones also reported that in the last 30 days, Central Luzon saw a decline in overall crime incidents by 152 cases—from 3,096 to 2,944—compared to the previous period, while focus crimes also dropped significantly by 56 cases, from 325 to 269, based on records from the PNP’s Crime Information, Reporting, and Analysis System.
He said this development reflected the region’s intensified and responsive approach to law enforcement, particularly in addressing serious offenses that impact the daily safety and well-being of the community.
In the fight against illegal drugs, the PRO3 launched 559 operations that led to the arrest of 846 individuals, including 46 high-value targets (HVTs) and seized 4,582 grams of shabu valued at PHP31.1 million, along with marijuana worth PHP3.99 million.
Meanwhile, 759 wanted persons have been arrested, including 108 Top Most Wanted Persons (TMWPs): 9 at the regional, 45 at the provincial, and 54 at the municipal level while, the campaign against loose firearms resulted in 109 firearms being confiscated, recovered, or surrendered, with an additional 14 being voluntarily deposited for safekeeping.
In the last month, Peñones said he visited police stations across the region to boost the spirit and readiness of frontliners, even as he personally donated 10 surveillance drones and distributed 300 handheld radios to police units.
“More than data, they reflect our sincere effort to serve the public with integrity and urgency. This is how we will move forward—together, accountable, modernized, and always responsive to the needs of the people,” said Peñones. (PNA)