QCPD to file raps vs members of transport group 'Manibela'
By Hannah Nicol
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said on Tuesday, April 23, that charges will be filed against the members of transport group “Manibela” for violating laws during the two-day transport strike in Quezon City last April 15 and 16.
“Manibela” chairperson Mario Valbuena led the protest rally against the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) phase-out program.
The rally was joined by 70 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) with an estimated 600 participants who blocked major roads such as Commonwealth Avenue, East Avenue, and Quezon Avenue.
According to the QCPD, they attempted to talk to Valbuena, but he refused to cooperate and chose to disregard directives to move their protest to a freedom park.
It added that the transport group failed to show a permit from the city government, which is a violation of the law on public assembly.
The transport group's actions disturbed the traffic flow and caused inconvenience to commuters and resulted in chaos on the streets.
The QCPD has already submitted the identified plate numbers of PUJs who blocked the major roads to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) for proper administrative actions.
The members of the transport group will also be charged with alarm and scandal, resistance and disobedience, and direct assault upon an agent of person in authority.