MMDA, MPD brace for today’s transport strike

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando yesterday ordered the lifting of the number-coding scheme today because of the transport strike. He opted to suspend the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Scheme (UVVRS) in an effort to allow more passenger vehicles not joining the protest action to ply their routes.

Fernando said more traffic enforcers will also be fielded in order to ensure smooth traffic flow and keep everything in order. He called on those joining the transport strike to respect those who will not join since the public will definitely be the ones to suffer.

The MMDA will also be fielding some of its vehicles so as to provide free rides to those who might find themselves stranded.

Moreover, Manila Police District Director director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong yesterday warned the striking drivers not to throw spikes on the streets and harass other drivers who are not joining the transport strike today as the city police force is in full swing to implement security measures.

"As early as 5 a.m. tomorrow we will be monitoring the activity. There are sufficient number of uniformed and plainclothes policemen to be deployed to prevent the strikers from coercing those who would not join the street protests. We are prepared for the event," he said.

Bulaong has met with the transport leaders and street protest organizers and asked them to properly secure permits to rally from the Office of the Mayor as the MPD would strictly impose a "no permit, no rally" policy, in line with the directive of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to see to it that demonstrations would be done peacefully.

"We are ready to give assistance and protect other groups who will not joint the rally, like the Pasang Masda, the FEJODAP, the tricycle operators and the FX drivers in Manila who earlier said would continue their route in the city," he said.

"The Manila police force is closely coordinating with the Manila City Hall, in accordance with the directive of Atienza to ensure the safety of the general public, particularly the passengers who would be stranded tomorrow," Bulaong said.

The Manila mayor ordered the deployment of vehicles to be utilized in transporting all stranded passengers.

The MPD chief had also directed his men to take their positions and double their vigilance to safeguard Manila’s vital installations.

"We have already directed our men and women in uniform to observe extreme alertness. Our Civil Disturbance Management was instructed to exercise maximum tolerance but alerted them against groups that would stage protest actions without permits. The rallyists must conform with the guidelines in holding a rally," Bulaong said.