Las Piñas police provide free rides to commuters during the transport strike. Photo Courtesy of Southern Police District
METRO

Southern Metro police deploy 'Libreng Sakay' during MANIBELA strike

Kimberly Anne Ojeda

Police units across the southern metro deployed vehicles starting Tuesday to assist stranded passengers during the three-day transport strike.

The initiative, part of the Philippine National Police’s “Libreng Sakay,” is carried out by city police stations under the Southern Police District and offers free rides across Pasay, Makati, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Taguig.

In Pasay, transport was provided along routes including Villamor Base to R. Higgins in Barangay 185, FB Harrison Street to Arnaiz Avenue, and EDSA-Apelo Cruz to the EDSA Rotonda MRT area.

Makati police assisted commuters along J.P. Rizal to Malugay.

In Parañaque, rides were offered from Airport Road to Roxas Boulevard, East Service Road to Barangay San Martin de Porres, and Wilcon Depot to SM Sucat.

Personnel in Las Piñas operated routes in TS Cruz Subdivision, Naga Road to J. Aguilar Avenue, and areas in Pamplona Dos and Almanza Uno.

Muntinlupa police offered rides along Lyceum of Alabang, SM Center Muntinlupa, Concepcion Road, Sucat Interchange, and communities in Alabang.

Taguig police assisted residents between San Pedro Street in Barangay Ibayo Tipas and Tipas National High School.

The “Libreng Sakay” initiative will last until Thursday, the SPD said.

Transport group MANIBELA began its three-day transport strike on Tuesday, 9 December.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, MANIBELA said Metro Manila experienced widespread disruptions due to the absence of jeepneys.

“This is caused by the excessive arrogance of the DOTr, LTFRB, and LTO, but with a lack of concern and understanding for the Filipino people, particularly commuters who are workers and students,” the post further read.