GCQ Day 1: Thousands stranded

Thousands of commuters – mostly workers returning to their jobs – were stranded yesterday in Metro Manila, as public transport remained limited despite the easing of restrictions for the first time after more than two months of Luzon-wide quarantine.

- NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

On the first day of Metro Manila’s transition to a less-restrictive general community quarantine (GCQ), only rail lines and “bus augmentation” units, taxis, transport network vehicle services, shuttle services, point-to-point buses and bicycles were allowed to ferry commuters. Tricycles were also allowed, subject to approval of concerned local government units.

Jeepneys and UV Express vehicles, the most visible modes of transport in Metro Manila before the March 17 lockdown, will be allowed to ply their routes only in the second phase of resumption of public transportation, starting on June 22.

As the situation in the streets became more desperate, several government agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard deployed trucks to pick up stranded commuters.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said their Libreng Sakay program would continue despite the limited number of police trucks.

“We are all now under GCQ. A certain portion of mass transportation is allowed so we expect people to have available rides, but of course it’s still limited,” he said.

In a statement, the PNP said yesterday’s transition to GCQ was generally peaceful.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza na said the military deployed 48 trucks and buses to give commuters free ride. He said the deployment will continue “until the Department of Transportation (DOTr) can field sufficient transport.”

Transport groups decried as “discriminatory” the government’s decision to continue its ban on jeepneys despite the relaxing of quarantine.