MANILA, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Transport groups on Thursday launched a nationwide transport strike in the Philippines to protest against soaring oil price hikes.

Local media reported that the strike covered 15 to 20 protest centers across Metro Manila, with similar actions staged in several major provinces.

Among the protesters' demands are the immediate rollback of oil prices, the removal of excise and value-added taxes on petroleum products, the expansion of subsidies to affected sectors, and the implementation of a living wage for workers.

The Philippines, which relies heavily on imported crude oil, has been grappling with sharp price increases linked to the growing tensions in the Middle East.

On the eve of the strike, the Philippine National Police placed Metro Manila on high alert, deploying nearly 10,000 personnel to ensure public safety and manage traffic.■