Military commits to send vehicles to boost public transport

June 2, 2020

The military has committed to send vehicles to boost public transportation in Metro Manila, which shifted to general community quarantine on Monday.

''AFP Chief General Filemon Santos Jr. commits to continue to provide commuter assistance in coordination with MMDA to alleviate the concerns of the riding public who might have encountered difficulties on the first day of GCQ in the NCR,' said Brig. General Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines ( AFP) spokesman.

Arevalo  said the vehicle dispatch by the armed forces is based on the advise of MMDA.

Arevalo said the MMDA determines the location to send the military vehicles.

"We assist commuters to reach their destinations by providing military vehicles as augmentation. This will also ensure that we do not add up to the traffic congestion in some areas," he said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sent 48 trucks and buses to MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) on Monday

Lorenzana said the deployment was made to augment the limited public transportation allowed to operate as the National Capital Region (NCR) placed under general community quarantine.

Arevalo said on Monday the military sent six vehicles in Batasan and Philcoa area. On Monday afternoon, the AFP was advised to provide 11 to be sent out to the area to be determined by MMDA, he added.

Arevalo also mentioned that 48 military vehicles were on standby for dispatch on call by the MMDA.

"These are over and above the buses we have been providing for Health Workers since Day 1 of the lockdown to date," he said.

Arevalo said because of the changes in the community quarantine imposed in different areas starting Monday, the military will also make an adjustment on the deployment of their personnel. Robina Asido/DMS