Manila: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday apprehended 15 drivers of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) for blocking Connecticut Street in San Juan City on the third day of Manibela’s transport strike. In a Facebook post, the MMDA said the 15 jeepney drivers were issued with traffic violation tickets for illegal parking and obstruction near a building of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

According to Philippines News Agency, the government respects the right to free speech of every Filipino but emphasizes that it must be held peacefully and without causing adverse effects to others. Connecticut Street is a part of the Mabuhay Lanes, which serve as alternative routes meant to ease traffic on EDSA and other major roads.

The protesters have since left the area, and the Inter-Agency Task Force for Transport Strike continues to monitor the situation at the MMDA Communications Command Center in Pasig City. The Philippine National Police also deployed additional law enforcers to prevent protesters from causing traffic congestion.