‘Trouble spots’ watched

At least 1,000 uniformed policemen will be deployed to several "trouble spots" in Metro Manila to arrest striking drivers found harassing or coercing colleagues who will not join today’s transport strike.

Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol directed the five police districts to strictly enforce the "no roadblock, no harassment and no burning of tires policy" in their respective jurisdictions and arrest violators.

"They can go on with their strike. But they must not harass and coerce those who decide to ply their routes and continue serving the riding public," Querol told The Star.

Additional foot and mobile patrols would be fielded in the streets to monitor hourly developments on the transport strike.

Senior Superintendent Felipe Rojas Jr., intelligence chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said militant transport groups led by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operaytors Nationwide (PISTON) would stage the strike to protest the implementation of the expanded value-added tax (EVAT) and the controversial traffic scheme of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

However, even Piston is divided over whether to push through with the strike or not, Rojas said. But an estimated 80 percent of the group’s members would stay out of the streets today.

Rojas noted that the leaders of another transport group, Pasang Masda, have advised its members to ply their routes today.

"We will provide ample security to non-striking drivers, especially in the so-called trouble spots," Rojas told The Star.

He added that elements of the NCRPO’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU), headed by Superintendent Roberto Villanueva, are tasked to arrest "troublemakers."

Querol said the trouble spots include the Sucat-Alabang route; Cubao, Novaliches, and Fairview in Quezon City; Monumento in Caloocan City; Rosario in Pasig City; Marikina City and Makati City.

"We are prepared for them. They must observe the rule of law and avoid instigating violence because they will be dealt with accordingly," said Querol, noting that the NCRPO’s alert level would be raised to "heightened alert" today.

The NCRPO chief called on the public to continue with their daily activities like reporting to their offices, going to parks and shopping malls and not be scared by the transport strike as the government is on top of the peace and order situation.

The NCRPO is coordinating with the MMDA, and the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to ferry stranded commuters to their destinations.