‘First day of Manibela strike peaceful’

MANILA, Philippines — No untoward incident was reported on the first day of transport group Manibela’s nationwide strike, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

Tuesday’s protest ended without major disruptions due to the early deployment of police officers to identified strike centers, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said.

Manibela is holding a three-day transport strike to denounce the alleged payola system perpetrated by transportation officials.

Nartatez lauded the group’s leaders for cooperating with law enforcers.

Police vehicles aided stranded commuters.

Nineteen strike centers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have been identified, including Manibela’s assembly area near Philcoa in Quezon City.