AFP deploys 28 military vehicles for stranded passengers in metro

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Thursday provided 28 vehicles to help commuters affected by the strike staged by transport groups which oppose the stiffer penalties against operators of illegal public utility vehicles.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the 28 vehicles were provided by the Army, Air Force, Navy, General Headquarters and Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.

Of the 28 vehicles, 11 have been deployed to various parts of Metro Manila.

“The armed forces will carry out the operations by providing necessary vehicles and manpower needed for the free ride,” Zagala said in a statement.

Three KM450 trucks and two Isuzu Elf were deployed for the Monumento-Pasay and Rotonda via EDSA routes while the three M35 trucks from the Air Force were sent to assist passengers in the Monumento-Trinoma via EDSA route.

Three trucks from the General Headquarters and Headquarters Support Command were placed under the disposition of Metro Manila Development Authority. Twelve M35 trucks from the Army and Navy will also be used to provide free rides.

“Military personnel will also be deployed to each vehicle to assist in loading and unloading, and ensure the safety and security of the passengers on board,” Zagala said.

The deployment of military vehicles started as early as 7 a.m.

"We are saddened that thousands of people were adversely affected by the striking transport groups. We could not allow our kababayans to lose part of their income by being late in their respective jobs,” said Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, chief of the Armed Forces 7th Civil Relations Group. –  with Anna Bajo and Venice Amoroso