MMDA: Special prosecutors in place during transport strike

Special prosecutors will be deployed in Metro Manila Monday to deal with organizers of a transport strike who may coerce other drivers into joining their activity, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said Sunday. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said Sunday they will also deploy buses to strategic areas to serve as temporary detention centers for troublemakers. “Ang ating babala, you will be dealt with accordingly. Pag may humaharang o lumampas sa kanilang karapatan bilang bahagi ng freedom of expression arrestuhin. Meron tayong special prosecutors, dineploy natin sa [Northern and Southern parts of Metro Manila, and Quezon City]," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. On Monday, militant transport groups led by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) will hold a transport strike to protest the high prices of fuel. This was despite the meeting between PISTON's representatives and other transport groups with President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang last week. In Malacañang, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government will take the proper action against those who will violate the law during the transport strike. “Kami ay handang kumilos kapag kayo ay lumabag sa batas," he said on government-run dzRB radio. Also, Lacierda thanked the groups that decided not to join Monday’s activity. “We hope the organizers of the strike will be peaceful and will not force other people to join them," he added. — LBG, GMA News