BACOLOD City – Several transports groups in this city will join the two-day transport strike from September 23 to 24.
On Friday, September 20, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and MANIBELA announced that they would conduct a transport strike this Monday and Tuesday to protest the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
PISTON said the protest action also aims to address the alleged inaction of the government in relation to the renewal of franchises.
Rudy Catedral, president of Bacolod Alliance for Commuters, Operators and Drivers Inc. (BACOD), said another reason why they are joining the transport strike was the tension that occurred during the rally on September 18 along Lacson Street here where he and five other organizers were arrested for disobedience and direct assault upon an agent of a person in authority.
The six were released from detention at Police Station 2 after posting bail.
Also joining the strike is Kabakod Negros Transport Coalition Incorporated.
Catedral asked for the understanding of the riding public on their decision to join the nationwide strike.
Meanwhile, Diego Malacad, secretary general of United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC) and concurrent executive president of Negros Bacolod Delta Transport Corp. (NBDTC), confirmed that their group composed of 12 routes and the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association have no plans to join the two-day strike.
Malacad said the NBDTC is holding a Transport Unity Forum for the operator members and stakeholders on September 26 here in relation to the implementation of the PTMP.
“Let us see what will be the result of the forum. In case our concerns will not be addressed, that’s possibly the time we will have to complement the other groups’ decision,” he added.
For their part, the Bacolod City Police Office led by Colonel Joeresty Coronica assured that contingency plans are in place to ensure the safety and security of passengers and motorists during the two-day strike.
The city government, meanwhile, will deploy vehicles for commuters who might be affected by the strike./PN
