MANILA, Philippines - The transport strike led by militant groups has paralyzed up to 90 percent of transportation in Albay province in Bicol, dzXL radio reported Monday morning.
As this developed, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) claimed getting sympathizers in Metro Manila, and that the strike will be felt in a few hours.
"May ilang member ng ibang pederasyon na lumalahok (We are getting support from members of other federations)," Piston Metro Manila head Modesto Floranda said in an interview on dzXL radio.
He did not name names, but said he expects the strike in Metro Manila to be felt before noon.
Floranda added many of the drivers from other transport groups were "sympathetic" with Piston's position calling for a stop to skyrocketing fuel prices.
"Sa loob ng maghapon dadalang ang sasakyan sa kalsada (Within the day you can feel the drop in the number of public jeeps plying their routes)," he said.
But he belied speculations that this was timed in the afternoon to inconvenience employees who need a ride home.
"Hindi po, ito naman ay ang laban dito hindi laban ng driver at operator kundi laban ng sambayanan (That's not the case. Commuters are not our enemies, but this is a fight not only of drivers and operators but also of the nation)," he said. - GMANews.TV