Transport strike forces suspension of classes, 5, 000 military and police personnel deployed

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) – Some 5, 000 military and police personnel, in addition to traffic enforcers were deployed on Monday (February 6) in major thoroughfares all over Metro Manila in response to the transport strike commenced by the transport group, Stop and Go.

The strike was staged to protest the plan of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to phase-out old transport jeeps, replacing it with electrical jeepneys.

The transport strikes forces some schools and local government offices in Metro Manila to suspend classes and office work in the afternoon.

The suspensions were declared in:
• Malabon – afternoon classes suspended in all levels
• Far Eastern University Manila – class suspensions starting 1:30 p.m.
• Adamson University – starting 2 p.m. classes at all levels and office work suspended
• University of the Philippines Manila – starting 3 p.m., classes and office work suspended.
• National University – classes suspended at 1:30 p.m., office work at 3 p.m.
• University of Santo Tomas (UST) – classes and office suspended starting 12 noon
• De La Salle University – at 1:30 p.m., classes at all levels and office work at Taft, Makati, and Taguig campuses suspended
• College of St. Benilde
• Colegio de San Juan de Letran – classes suspended starting 2 p.m.; office work suspended from 3 p.m.

According to the LTFRB Board, 85 vehicles, 50 motorcycles and 2 vessels offered free rides to stranded passengers on Monday.

On the other hand, 100 private buses offered discounts to commuters.

The LTFRB earlier warned that it will suspend public utility vehicles that will join the transport strike.