Police forces arrested six jeepney drivers in Caloocan City who protested on June 2 to demand the lifting of the ban on jeepney operations. The protest was part of the national campaign of the Pag­ka­kai­sa ng mga Sa­ma­han ng Tsu­per at Ope­ra­tor Na­ti­on­wi­de (Pis­ton) for the resumption of jeepney operations.

Jeepney driver Elmer Cor­de­ro, 72, and Piston de­puty secre­tary ge­ne­ral Ru­ben Bay­lon were among those arrested. The drivers were nabbed despite observing physical distancing while protesting.

Based on the regime’s recent report, only 36,243 drivers have benefitted from its emergency program for the sector. This is not even half of the estimated 240,000 total number of drivers and operators in the country.

Workers obliged to report to work since June 1 and commuters are greatly affected by the ban which will be in effect until June 22.

Jeepney drivers are required to apply for a special permit to be able to resume their operation. The regime, however, will prioritize the resumption of operation of “modern” jeepneys, while traditional or old jeepneys will be sidelined. In addition, the new jeepney routes imposed by the regime under the so-called new normal will further burden jeepney drivers and significantly reduce their income.

The call for the immediate release of the drivers received wide support from many personalities and organizations.