PISTON condemns the outrageous police deployment in response to today’s strike.
Massive police presence were seen blocking the University Ave in UP Diliman, Monumento, E. Rodriguez Ave., Welcome Rotonda, and España Blvd.
Police were reportedly barring jeepney drivers, operators, and supporters from holding peaceful assemblies and demonatrations. Police were even coercing and threatening drivers and operators from joining the strike.
PISTON asserts this excessive force is a blatant attempt to silence transport workers’ voices. The heavy police presence has no place in a peaceful strike action and restricts the people’s fundamental rights to strike and hold peaceful assemblies.
PISTON demands authorities respect the right to lawful assembly and immediately stop all intimidation tactics by the police force. Workers will not be deterred. We remain committed to exercising our right to strike and protest until our demand for the immediate junking of the PUV Modernization Program is met.