The Malabon City government will deploy its “Libreng Sakay” vehicles to assist commuters during the two-day transport strike set for Thursday and Friday, March 26 to 27.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said the initiative aims to help residents reach their destinations safely despite the expected disruption in public transportation.
“Patuloy po ang Libreng Sakay ng ating pamahalaang lungsod bilang tugon sa napapabalitang transport strike. Layunin po nito na matulungan ang ating mga manlalakbay at commuters na makarating sa kanilang mga paroroonan (Our city government’s Libreng Sakay program will continue as a response to the reported transport strike. Its goal is to help our travelers and commuters reach their destinations),” she said.
“Prayoridad po natin ang kanilang kaligtasan, lalo na habang sila ay nasa mga kalsada ng Malabon (Their safety remains our priority, especially while they are on the roads of Malabon),” Sandoval added.
The city’s Public Information Office said that seven vehicles from the Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO) will be used to ferry stranded passengers for free.
These include a tow truck, a Travis van, an APV, a troop carrier, and three trucks from the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).
Meanwhile, personnel from the Malabon City Police Station (MCPS), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Mayor’s Complaint Action Team will also be deployed along major roads to ensure safety and assist commuters.
The city government also directed barangay officials to monitor their respective areas and deploy vehicles if needed.
It added that the local government is coordinating with transport groups to ensure continued service during the strike.
The Libreng Sakay vehicles have been prepositioned since March 19, during the first transport strike staged as a protest against the continued increase in fuel prices.
The city government assured residents that it will closely coordinate with the national government to provide assistance to public vehicle drivers affected by the oil price hike.