Going to work still a struggle for many workers amid MECQ in NCR, nearby areas

Workers either stranded or walking to their destination marked the second day of implementation of modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

A report by Mai Bermudez in Unang Balita on Wednesday said some used bicycles as public transportation was not allowed under MECQ.

On Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, Darlene Cay reported that workers walking to their destination could be seen even before sunrise and despite the drizzly weather.

One of them, Eric Fabian Jr., had to walk from Fairview to Commonwealth Market to buy goods that he would also sell.

"Sana ibalik yung sasakyan, kahit yung bus na lang kasi maraming mahihirapan," said Fabian, a singer-waiter who lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Others who were stranded tried their luck with kindhearted private motorists.

On Marcos Highway, police checked motorcycle riders for documents, causing traffic build-up, according to Super Radyo dzBB reporter Mark Makalalad.

LOOK: Mga nakomotorsiklong may angkas, sinasala bago makalagpas sa checkpoint sa Marcos Highway; Inspeksyon sa checkpoint, nagdulot ng mahabang pila I @gmanews @dzbb pic.twitter.com/Ohv5CUBpzr

— Mark Makalalad (@MMakalalad) August 4, 2020

Police, meanwhile, were strict in inspecting the quarantine pass and IDs — proofs that the commuter is an essential worker — of those passing the boundary of Bacoor, Cavite and Las Piñas.

"Ang panawagan namin dito, yung non-essential movements ay dapat iwasan na lang talaga," said Police Lieutenant Colonel Vic Cabatingan of Cavite Police in Bam Alegre's report.

At the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), traffic was light on Wednesday morning for those entering and leaving Metro Manila even amid the checkpoint, according to Jonathan Andal's report.

Aside from Metro Manila, others under MECQ are Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna. It will be enforced until August 18.  —KBK/KG, GMA News