Manila commuters to get free rides during strike

All available police and barangay vehicles in Manila will offer free rides to stranded passengers in today’s metropolis-wide transport strike, the Manila Police District (MPD) announced yesterday.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said he has coordinated with his 11 police station commanders and Manila’s barangay chairmen to bring out all their available vehicles in the street as early as 5 a.m. to ferry stranded passengers.

A considerable number of policemen shall also man critical areas to maintain peace and order among the striking drivers.

“Maximum tolerance towards the strikers shall be maintained as long as they do not create chaos in the streets. The police shall not permit strikers to harass non-participating drivers in their protest,” Rosales said.

He will also try to talk with trucking services to provide additional vehicles in areas affected by the strike.

According to Rosales, Victory Liner has pledged to allow its buses to ply affected areas and help pick up stranded passengers. Two police marshals will escort every bus of the Victory Liner to provide protection from strikers.

Today’s strike, staged by various transport groups, is expected to paralyze a great portion of Manila’s thoroughfares in the areas of España, Divisoria, Tondo, Port Area, Pandacan and Sta. Cruz.

The striking drivers are protesting the rising cost of petroleum products and the traffic citation tickets issued by the national and local governments. – Nestor Etolle