Reyes to meet transport groups

Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes will meet transport groups today to address their complaints on policemen allegedly involved in extortion activities.

Reyes said the meeting would surely help the government and transport groups come up with solutions to problems being encountered by ordinary drivers and operators.

"The secretary will try to get more information about the illegal activities of some policemen and with the help of police district directors, he would surely be able to come up with solutions," said Col. Danilo Servando.

Drivers have been complaining that some unscrupulous policemen continuously demand grease money from drivers who hardly make both ends meet because of the rising cost of fuel and spare parts.

The meeting, which will be held in Cainta, Rizal will be attended by the Alliance of Transport Operators Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP).

Servando said Metro Manila Police chief Director Vidal Querol and his five police district directors — Chief Superintendents Raul Gonzales (Northern Police District), Wilfredo Garcia (Southern Police District), Nicasio Radovan (Quezon City Police District), Pedro Bulaong (Western Police District), and Oscar Valenzuela (Eastern Police District) will conduct a briefing on the anti-kotong campaign in their respective areas.

Reyes also urged local government units to coordinate with transport groups before enacting any ordinance to protect drivers and operators.