THE Philippine National Police (PNP) sought to strengthen coordination with ride-hailing companies and delivery rider groups to improve measures that will keep riders safe from criminal elements.
Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, has directed concerned police units to hold dialogues with ride-hailing firms and rider groups to identify measures that can strengthen the protection of delivery riders.
"Ride-hailing and delivery services are fair and noble work. We in the PNP will not allow any unscrupulous group or individual to exploit them, and do something that will compromise the safety and the dignity of those in the ride-hailing and delivery services,” Nartatez said in a statement on Monday.
Earlier, two delivery riders in Marikina City reported a suspicious delivery to the police, which was later found to have contained P150,000 worth of illegal drugs.
Nartatez commended the riders for their vigilance and contribution to the campaign against illegal drugs.
“We urge our partners in the ride-hailing and delivery services sectors to maximize the use of the Unified 911 Hotline to report suspicious bookings so that the police can immediately respond to their concerns,” he said.
He also asked delivery and ride-hailing companies “to be extra vigilant and more discerning when handling suspicious packages.”
He said police will be deployed in strategic areas to project visibility and to immediately respond to emergency or peace and order situations.
