THE government deployed vehicles in strategic areas in Metro Manila to transport stranded passengers, especially health workers who need to report to work, as public transport systems ground to a halt amid the lockdown due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) deployed a total of 22 military trucks and two buses Wednesday.
Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala said nine trucks will serve the route between Edsa-Santolan in Quezon City and the Mall of Asia in Pasay City while nine others will ferry workers between Edsa-Santolan and Masinag in Antipolo.
Major General Ernesto Torres Jr., AFP spokesperson, said the buses and the four other trucks will serve the route between Edsa-Santolan and Balintawak in Quezon City.
The Philippine Navy also deployed M35 trucks which will serve passengers in Edsa corner Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, and Cavite Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, and some parts of Marikina.
"They will ply this route and determine volume and need so a schedule can be determined. This will be regular and daily, to ferry health workers, and other essential and authorized personnel," Zagala said.
The AFP said the routes and scheduled may be adjusted depending on the demand.
Only those exempted from the lockdown will be allowed to get on these buses and trucks, officials stressed.
