THERE was a generally peaceful situation in the country on Monday, the start of the projected nationwide strike of some transport groups protesting alleged corruption at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Philippine National Police chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. said.

“There were no significant incidents reported except for some reports of shortage of public utility vehicles pero as of latest report, pakonti na po sila. The situation also remained normal as large capacity of government vehicles were fielded to provide free ride to the public,” the top cop said.

The PNP national headquarters ordered all 17 police regional offices led by the National Capital Region Police Office under Brigadier Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to deploy all available vehicles in their areas to help ferry stranded commuters.

“Pero sa Metro Manila, hindi naman naapektuhan ang commuters. Hindi naman umabot sa nationwide ang strike. So far, manageable naman ang situation. It’s under control,” Gen. Acorda said.

According to the PNP chief, no less than Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. has reached out to the transport groups to hear their grievances.

“This government is doing its best to address their woes. Itong problema ng mga nag-srtike ngayon ay pinaparating na sa concerned authorities. Ang pakiusap lang naming sa mga strikers, wag naman maging marahas, wag naman silang mananakit, mambabato ng mga hindi sumasama sa kanila because they will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

The PNP chief added that police vehicles will continue to be fielded to provide ‘Libreng Sakay’ to the public during the duration of the transport strike.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon