Cops on full alert for transport strike

Police have been placed on full alert in anticipation of the planned natiowide transport strike tomorrow, Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong announced yesterday.

In a memorandum to all police station commanders and unit heads, Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) chief Superintendent Co Yee Co said all police personnel, especially combat teams, will be on alert to prevent any untoward incidents during the strike.

"All combat teams are directed to be on alert ready to be deployed in case of any eventuality," the memorandum stated.

Bulaong said the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (PISTON) is gearing to paralyze transport in Manila and other key cities due to continuing rise of oil prices.

Co designated anti-carnapping unit head Chief Inspector Leopoldo Mangilinan to check the alertness and preparedness of the combat teams during the planned paralyzation of public transport.

The jeepney routes which shall be constantly monitored during the strike are the Welcome Rotunda at the boundary of Quezon City, Tayuman and Blumentritt in Sta. Cruz, Balic-Balic, Lealtad and Lacson Avenue (formerly Gov. Forbes) in Sampaloc, Punta in Sta. Ana and the Divisoria area.

Bulaong said plainclothes policemen will also be deployed in critical areas to arrest strikers from threatening those who will not join the transport strike. – Nestor Etolle