The transport strike staged by a group of operators and drivers in Bacolod March 23 remained 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.
Members of the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators, and Drivers (BACOD)-Manibela, led by their president Rudy Catedral, held a protest rally near the Bata flyover before proceeding to the Bacolod City Government Center, where they met with 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.
In its report, the PRO-NIR said about 80 individuals, along with 50 public utility vehicles, participated in the protest 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, Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, said in a statement. | PNA
