PNP: Cops deployed for PUVMP ‘unity walk’

MANILA, Philippines — Mobile patrols and other mobility assets will be deployed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for today’s “unity walk” of transport groups supporting the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).

Protesters should not harass fellow drivers who will not participate in the unity walk, PNP chief public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said in an interview yesterday over dzBB.

“This is an opportunity for them to express their sentiments and we respect that. However, we hope to avoid any tension tomorrow,” Fajardo said.

The PNP will establish border control and checkpoints to ensure a peaceful protest, she noted.

Transport groups from Regions 1, 3, 5 and Calabarzon are expected to participate, Fajardo said.

Free rides

Transport group Manibela will offer free rides to commuters who will be affected by the unity walk.

“All the members of Manibela will provide free rides nationwide,” Manibela president Mar Valbuena told The STAR.

Valbuena questioned the protest’s purpose after transport groups comprising the so-called Magnificent 7 announced they would not join the unity walk.

“It is called unity walk, but they are not united. What can we expect from these transport groups? What is the purpose of the unity walk? It is better to operate and provide services to our people,” Valbuena said.

“We respect their unity walk because that’s their right, but if we can remember, they dubbed the mobilizations on the streets as leftist activities, but here they are,” he added.

Valbuena expressed confidence that President Marcos will approve a Senate resolution signed by 22 senators asking for the suspension of the PUVMP. — Bella Cariaso