THE transport strike launched by Manibela yesterday failed to paralyze public transport in Metro Manila, according to the National Capital Region Police Office.
“They failed to paralyze (public) transportation in Metro Manila,” NCRPO spokesman Lt. Col. Eunice Salas said, adding the strike was “generally peaceful” and “no untoward” incident was reported.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said there were no stranded commuters based on the report of the NCRPO.”
Fajardo said police vehicles were on standby, ready to provide free transport to commuters while the NCRPO said some 5,847 policemen were deployed to ensure peace and order.
The NCRPO said some 1,400 members of the transport groups joined the protest action set to continue today and tomorrow, Wednesday, to protest the government’s public transport modernization program.
The protesters converged yesterday at several assembly points, including the office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Meanwhile, Val Gonzales of radio DZRH was reportedly punched by members of Manibela while covering the group’s strike in Quezon City yesterday morning.
Gonzales claimed he was attacked by Manibela members in front of the LTFRB at around 10 a.m.
Gonzales said he was reporting on the inconvenience being caused by the group for blocking the road and causing traffic congestion in the area when Manibela members rushed and punched him on his body. In a statement, Manibela denied the claim of Gonzales, with Manibela’s national chairman, Mar Valbuena, claiming Gonzales provoked members of his group.
Valbuena claimed Gonzales, before going on air, cursed at Manibela members and reportedly said they should be jailed for the inconvenience they are causing.
Valbuena said what Gonzales failed to report was the “malicious statement before he went on air.” He said media men are free to report but should set aside their emotions.
Valbuena said Manibela members may be poor but should not be cursed by media members. He said his group respects the media and expects media members to give them respect.
“Ganun paman humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa lahat ng panig. (Nevertheless, we ask for apology to all concerned),” said Valbuena.
Fajardo said the PNP is coordinating with Gonzales, a member of the PNP Press Corps, for the possible filing of a case against those who attacked him.
Fajardo said the PNP will help Gonzales file a complaint if he intends to pursue one.
“We will extend the assistance that he needs and we hope to identify who hurt him. We will help him file the case if he wants to,” said Fajardo.
The Manila Broadcasting Company-DZRH condemned the attack against Gonzales, saying “such harassment is a clear curtailment of press freedom and this has no place in a civilized society.”
The PNP Press Corps also condemned the attack on Gonzales, a director of the press organization covering the Camp Crame beat.
The press corps said Gonzales was punched by several members of Manibela while he was reporting on air.
It said violence against members of the media is a clear violation of press freedom and human rights.
The PNP Press Corps urged authorities and Manibela to take action against those responsible.
The Defense Press Corps, another group of media men covering the military and defense beat, also denounced the violence against Gonzales, a former member of the group.
“The emotions and perceptions stemming from a written or broadcast report can never be a justification to subject a journalist to physical harm,” it said.
ATTACK DENOUNCED
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) denounced the physical attack supposedly by members of the transport group Manibela against a member of the media while covering a transport strike staged by the group in Quezon City.
“We strongly condemn the attack against a member of media, Val Gonzales, who was only doing his job of reporting what is happening in the country,” PTFoMS executive director Paul Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez said the PTFoMS assured Gonzales, a field reporter from radio station DZRH, of their support after the latter signified his plan to sue Manibela.
He said the task force has also already coordinated with Quezon City Police District Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan to summon Manibela chairman Mario Valbuena for the violent actions of his members.
Gutierrez said PTFoMS also received reports that Manibela had accused the media of being “paid” and “bias” against their group.
He said such allegations and harassment by the transport group, however, would not help their cause nor earn the support of the public.
“If the group of Mr. Valbuena thinks that these kind of accusations and violence against the media would help their cause, they are wrong. We believe that the public would not support any actions that are accompanied by violence and threats)” he said.
The Calabarzon and Rizal PNP are on heightened alert and ready for the 3-day “Tigil-Pasada” by the transport group Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela) coinciding with the country’s 126th Independence Day celebration.
Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, Calabarzon regional director, has directed all police provincial directors, including Rizal PPO director Col. Felipe Maraggun, to closely monitor and manage the situation within their jurisdictions to ensure public safety during the strike.
Lucas also instructed them to coordinate with local government Units (LGUs) and relevant authorities to implement comprehensive security measures to protect participants, commuters, and public property.
At least 2,000 police personnel are prepared for immediate deployment and augmentation, including the activation of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) of each provincial office and the regional headquarters. Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) units have been activated to address disruptions during the strike.
“As we prepare for this transport strike, it is vital that we are ready to address any potential challenges. While we fully respect the freedom of expression, our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and maintain harmony within our community,” Lucas said.
The PNP and LGUs said buses and trucks will be fielded for the “Libreng Sakay Program” offering free transport services to affected commuters. — With Jocelyn Montemayor and Christian Oineza
