Philippines Transport Strike: PNP Alert, 10K Cops Deployed & Fuel Tax Halt Demands

A nationwide transport strike in the Philippines, led by the Piston (Pagkakaisa ng mga Tsuper at Operator para sa Pagbabago sa Lipunan) group, entered its second day on Friday, significantly disrupting public transportation in several regions, including Cebu. The strike, which began on March 19, aims to protest the continued rise in fuel prices and the lack of substantial government assistance for jeepney drivers and operators.

In Cebu, the strike has reportedly “paralyzed” public transport, according to Piston Cebu, impacting commuters across the province. Local authorities have acknowledged significant disruptions, though Cebu City police reported that rallies associated with the strike have been generally peaceful.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed 10,000 officers in the National Capital Region (NCR) to manage the situation and ensure public safety during the strike. The PNP had previously sought to coordinate with Piston leaders prior to the strike’s commencement, aiming to facilitate peaceful protests and minimize disruption.

Beyond Cebu, drivers in other provinces are also using the strike to call for a halt to fuel taxes. Thousands of jeepney drivers are participating nationwide, demonstrating the widespread discontent within the transportation sector.

The strike follows a period of increasing pressure on jeepney drivers, who are struggling to cope with escalating fuel costs. The government has not yet issued a comprehensive response to the strike’s demands as of Friday afternoon.