Transport strike generally peaceful, no stranded commuters—AFP

MANILA, Philippines—The transport strike on Thursday was deemed peaceful by Armed Forces of the Philippines adding that there were no cases of stranded commuters in Metro Manila.

In a press briefing, AFP spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said none of the 26 military trucks prepared by the National Capital Region Command were deployed to help stranded passengers during the morning rush hour.

“Since no one asked for them (military trucks) and there were no stranded commuters, it only means everything was peaceful,” Burgos said in Filipino.

Nevertheless, Burgos said they will still be on standby until the Metro Manila Development Authority declares that the strike is over. He added the trucks from the army, navy and air force will remain in the AFP’s General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo for immediate deployment in case there will be stranded passengers during the afternoon and evening rush hours.

Earlier, various schools and universities in Metro Manila suspended their classes for today (Thursday) in anticipation of the strike by transport groups.

The protesters are calling for a fare hike in light of the continuous rise in oil and gas products.