Manila, March 17 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday expressed readiness to ensure peace and order for the planned nationwide transport strike scheduled on Thursday.

Local police commanders, particularly in urban areas, have already stepped up monitoring to identify potentially affected areas and implement early measures to safeguard commuters and those not joining the strike.

"While we understand the concerns being raised by those in the public transportation sector, we hope that they reconsider their decision to hold a strike for this is really not a time for that," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

"Nevertheless, your PNP is ready to maintain peace and order and assist commuters," he added...