Transport strike in Bacolod peaceful
MAYOR Greg Gasataya (left) meets transport groups at the Bacolod City Government Center on Monday, March 23, after the transport strike. (Mayor Greg Gasataya)
BACOLOD CITY – The transport strike staged by a group of operators and drivers here on Monday was peaceful and prompted a dialogue with Mayor Greg Gasataya who pledged to address their immediate concerns.
“No untoward incidents were recorded, reflecting the orderly and peaceful conduct of the activity,” the Police Regional-Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said in a report.
The Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators, and Drivers (BACOD)-Manibela led by president Rudy Catedral held a protest rally near a flyover before proceeding to the Bacolod City Government Center, where they met the mayor and raised concerns about their members being left out of the list for government assistance.
“We made sure to listen to the drivers and operators so that the city can help address and convey their concerns to the relevant government agencies. We will immediately discuss this with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” Gasataya said.
City Administrator Mark Mayo said the city government deployed 13 service vehicles plying six routes to assist stranded passengers from 6 a.m. until the evening.
“Our ‘Libre Sakay’ was peaceful. There were just areas that needed police presence to maintain order, but still, it was peaceful. We also received positive feedback,” he added.
The PRO-NIR said about 80 individuals, along with 50 Public Utility Vehicles, participated in the rally that started around 7 a.m. and ended before 11 a.m.
To ensure public safety and maintain order, the Bacolod City Police Office deployed a total of 151 personnel as well as a 56-member standby support force.
“The PRO-NIR remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives, maintain order, and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that lawful assemblies are conducted safely and without disruption to the community,” PRO-NIR Director Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said in a statement.