FILE PHOTO: Jeepney drivers tie a “NO to PUV Phaseout” poster on one of several jeepneys on the first day of a transport strike led by Manibela on October 16, 2023. The assembly point for the protest caravan was held along the University Ave. of UP Diliman, Quezon City.
LYN RILLON/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines — Over 3,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure public safety for the ongoing transport protest launched by Manibela and Piston groups.
The protest is to challenge the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Around 3,722 [were deployed for the protest]. Around 175 mobility assets were also deployed,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo told INQUIRER.net in a Viber message on Tuesday.
Earlier, Manibela said various groups, or around 15,000 individuals, are expected to join them, marching from Diliman in Quezon City to Mendiola in Manila.
PNP chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Monday that they had not monitored any threats concerning the protest, except for the possible paralysis of transportation within Metro Manila.
“I am encouraging, especially those who will be participating in this protest or activity, that we do this peacefully and that no one will be harmed,” he said in a press conference.
