Transport strike ends peacefully, orderly on second day – PNP
(Courtesy of Philippine National Police)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday, Dec. 12, said the nationwide transport strike carried out by the transport group Manibela, originally scheduled for three days, concluded only on its second day without any untoward incident.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, commended ground personnel for observing maximum tolerance throughout the demonstration.
He said early security preparations and a calibrated approach to commuter assistance were key factors in keeping the strike peaceful and orderly.
He said station commanders reported no untoward incidents from the start of the protest action on Dec. 9 until Manibela terminated its demonstration on Dec. 10 after a dialogue with officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
He noted that both protesters and commuters remained safe throughout the strike.
“The Philippine National Police has always recognized the people’s right to assemble and air their grievances. We may have differences in opinion and belief but you can rest assured that your policemen will be there to protect you to express those opinions and belief as long as the safety and security of the people are not compromised,” he said.
According to the PNP, police commanders opted for a strategic deployment of mobility assets for “libreng sakay” so as not to affect drivers of jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) who continued to ply their routes despite the strike.
“We allowed PUV drivers to pick up passengers because we do not want their livelihood to be affected if we immediately deploy vehicles for free rides,” Nartatez explained.
“Our mobility assets only came in once the situation of stranded commuters got worse and there was an urgent need for assistance,” he added.
Earlier, Nartatez ordered security preparation when Manibela announced that it would be holding a strike to air their grievances against the government. The group opposed what it calls excessive penalties and slow processing of government documents for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators.
It also criticized the continued requirement for unconsolidated PUVs to secure provisional authorities, saying this only adds to the burden of operators.
Further, it said that jeepney operators and drivers continue to face fines despite complying with government requirements for franchise renewal, provisional authorities, and vehicle registration.
It also reported that some traffic enforcers continue to confiscate documents, issue penalties, or pressure drivers to pay bribes to avoid additional violations.