OVP to extend free ride service to stranded commuters amid heavy rains

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Wednesday extended its free ride service to stranded commuters due to the heavy rains triggered by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), enhanced by Tropical Storm Dante and Tropical Cyclone Emong.

The OVP deployed two buses plying Monumento-PITX route, two buses for Quiapo-Commonwealth route, and one bus for PITX-Naic, Cavite route. The free service will be available until 10 p.m. 

"Yung ating Libreng Sakay, itong mga bus ng OVP ay patuloy na naglalakbay," said OVP Spokesperson Ruth Castelo.

(Our Libre Sakay service from the OVP will continue to provide free rides.)

"As we speak, umaandar yan from the point of beginning, hanggang sa destination para makatulong sa mga mamamayan natin," she added.

(These buses from point of origin to destination to help our countrymen.)

Castelo said the service may be further extended if needed.

Widespread floods hit parts of Metro Manila amid the continuous heavy rains triggered by the Habagat. Government work and classes were also suspended in 26 areas due to the inclement weather.

According to the OVP, its disaster operations center is targeting to extend assistance to 355,000 families in several areas including  Quezon City, and Pangasinan. They will provide food boxes and relief goods. 

State weather bureau PAGASA raised storm Signal Number 1 over eight areas in Luzon due to Emong. 

As of 5 p.m., the following areas are:

• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Northern and western portions of Pangasinan (Dasol, Burgos, Agno, Bani, Bolinao, City of Alaminos, Mabini, Anda, Labrador, Sual, Binmaley, Dagupan City, Lingayen, Bugallon, Infanta, Sison, Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Pozorrubio)
• Apayao
• Abra
• Benguet

— RF, GMA Integrated News