Bicol police provides free rides to commuters amid strike

A total of 14 vehicles of the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) were deployed in Albay province to provide "Libreng Sakay" (free rides) to passengers affected by the two-day nationwide transport strike starting Monday. Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said the police vehicles would make the rounds of key areas in the province to serve commuters. The vehicles are from the regional headquarters -one; Albay Police Provincial Office --12; and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 -one. "PRO5 remains vigilant and prepared to extend necessary assistance, closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and convenience," she said. Calubaquib said the vehicles will be available until Tuesday night. Earlier on Monday, the provincial government of Albay suspended face-to-face classes at all levels, both in public and private schools, due to the transport strike. Albay Governor and Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair Edcel Greco Lagman, in an advisory, advised s chools to adopt flexible modalities of learning, such as online or modular. He also urged local government units (LGUs) to mobilize available resources to provide free rides for stranded commuters. "All cities and municipalities disaster risk reduction management offices are placed on alert status. They are instructed to closely monitor and regularly report pertinent events on the grounds, as well as ensure the availability of response teams and vehicles if the need arises," Lagman said. Meanwhile, the Bicol Intercity Transport Cooperative (BITCoop) said it is committed to serving the riding public. "Despite the announcement of a transport strike by a minority group, we will continue to operate and ensure that our routes remain available for the convenience of our passengers. Your safety and reliable transportation remain our top priority," BITCoop said in a social media post. Transport groups Manibela and Piston, which continue to oppose the government's Public Transport Modernization Program, organized the two-day transport strikes. Source: Philippines News agency