Free rides on MMDA buses, government vehicles

Some 200 buses and government vehicles will be deployed in several areas in Metro Manila on Monday to give commuters stranded by the transport strike a free ride.

An interagency task force, led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), on Sunday laid out contingency measures to counter the effects of the transport strike.

“The public must not worry because both the private and public sectors are helping one another to avert the impact of the strike,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said in a radio interview.

“Passenger buses are not part of the strike, as well as other jeepney organizations,” he added.

Tolentino said a prison bus was being commissioned to hold protesters inciting other drivers to join their ranks.

The bus can bring suspects before special prosecutors on duty for proper charges to be filed against them, he said.

The National Capital Region Police Office will deploy 5,000 personnel to secure vital installations in Metro Manila that could be targeted by protesters.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said it would field 1,400 policemen to secure the city.

“We have to respect [Piston’s] right to air its grievances through this strike, but on our part we need to secure the safety of our commuters and travelers,” said Senior Superintendent Ranier Idio, QCPD deputy director. With a report from Penelope P. Endozo