PNP to boost partnership with ride-hailing companies

MANILA, Philippines — After two delivery riders nearly became unwitting drug couriers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying measures to protect riders from being exploited by crime rings.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday police would be holding dialogues with ride-hailing companies and delivery rider groups to discuss measures that can strengthen the protection of their partner riders.

“We will not allow unscrupulous groups or people 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.

The initiative to protect the ride-hailing industry came after two delivery riders in Marikina discovered they were transporting marijuana worth P149,700 last week.

The riders coordinated with the city police after they became suspicious about the parcels they were supposed to deliver in Barangay Parang. It turned out they were carrying 828 grams of marijuana and nine milliliters of liquid marijuana.

Nartatez commended the riders for their vigilance and for coordinating with authorities.

He urged delivery riders to call the Unified 911 system to report suspicious bookings.

“We likewise ask them to be vigilant and more discerning when handling suspicious packages,” Nartatez said.