PNP deploys assets to aid commuters amid transport strike

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has dispatched vehicles to provide rides to commuters who might be affected by the three-day strike of transport group Manibela.

"So far, we have not monitored any affected commuters but the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) continues to hold mobile patrols and for those who are unable to get a ride, just hail our mobile patrol units and they can take you to your destinations," PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in Filipino in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Aside from the PNP, she said various local government units, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have also deployed assets to ferry affected commuters.

As of 11:30 a.m., she said they have monitored five protest actions, including an ongoing rally in front of LTFRB main office in Quezon City which was joined by some 400 protesters.

Manibela's transport strike stemmed from the government's warning to apprehend public utility vehicles (PUVs) whose franchises are unconsolidated.

The deadline for franchise consolidation under the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) ended on April 30, followed by a 15-day grace period.

Consolidation of individual franchises under cooperatives or corporations to facilitate the acquisition of new and environmentally friendly vehicles is one of the stages of the PTMP that seeks to overhaul the country’s transport sector.

The next stages are route rationalization or the assignment of transport routes, fleet management or controlling the number of operational PUVs at any given time, and the replacement of old PUVs with modern counterparts that are equipped with Euro 4-compliant engines, modern amenities and safety features.

Apprehended PUVs may lead to a one-year suspension for the driver, a PHP50,000 fine for the operator, and the vehicle being impounded for 30 days. (PNA)