8 transport groups reject strike

Eight large associations of drivers and operators nationwide held a dialogue with National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Avelino Razon Jr. yesterday and vowed not to participate in the planned transport strike of militant organizations on Nov. 25.

Roberto Martin, president of Pasang Masda Nationwide Inc.-Congress of National Transport Organizations of the Philippines (PMNI-CONTOP), which has more than 100,000 members nationwide, assured Razon that his group will continue to serve the riding public despite the militants’ threat of a nationwide transport strike.

A massive transport strike had been started by militant groups last week paralyzing Central Luzon and some parts of the Visayas. The strike was in protest of the uncontrolled oil price hikes.

PMNI-CONTOP announced that its members decided not to join the planned nationwide transport strike in gratitude to Razon’s no-nonsense drive against "kotong" cops.

The transport groups also discussed the effectiveness of blinkers on passenger jeepneys which the drivers can switch on during holdups to attract the attention of policemen.

Those who joined the dialogue are the leaders and members of Pangkalahatang Sanggunian ng Manila Suburbs Drivers Association, Inc. (Pasang Masda), Laguna Federation of Transport Service Cooperative (Lagfed TSCI), Alliance of Unified Transport and Telecom Organization of the Philippines (AUTTO), Luzviminda Transport Federation, Unified Transport Organization of the Philippines (UPTOP), Federation of Rizal-Cubao Operators and Drivers Alliance, Inc. (Fercoda), Pinagsamang Tsuper at Operators sa Southern Tagalog, and the Intercity Transport Federation of Operators and Drivers.

At the same meeting, Razon announced that the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters will download some 504 policemen to the NCRPO to secure and assist shoppers this Yuletide season.

These policemen, who will be donning Santa Claus hats, will be distributed to the five police districts of the NCRPO. "The PNP and the NCRPO have laid out security measures for the Christmas season. We want the people to have fun, peace and comfort during the holidays," Razon said.

A total of 105 policemen shall be downloaded to the Central Police District, 108 to the Eastern Police District, 58 to the Northern Police District, 100 to the Southern Police District and 102 to the Western Police District.

Another batch of 31 cops, mostly computer experts, shall be downloaded to the NCRPO to help in the communication service related to the security of commercial centers and shopping malls. – Nestor Etolle