Over 1,000 PUVs join Bacolod transport strike

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — More than 1,000 public utility vehicle drivers joined a transport strike and protest here on Wednesday to press the national government to address the transport sector’s concerns over rising fuel prices amid the global oil crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Some PUV drivers expressed disappointment that other drivers did not support the strike, but they said the lack of full participation would not stop them from pushing for government action on issues affecting their livelihood.

Rallies were held in four areas, including the Bata and Magsaysay flyovers, before various transport groups converged at the public plaza for a program.

Rudy Catedral, president of the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators, and Drivers Inc.-BACOD Manibela, said the action was meant to show the strength of the local transport sector in asserting its rights.

He said some drivers chose not to join the protest, but their absence would not prevent the group from airing its grievances and demanding action from the government.

One passenger jeepney driver who joined the protest said he could no longer bring even a small amount of money home to his family because fuel expenses had become the priority.

“Wala na kami budget pambakal bugas sa balay, basta importante may gatong ang salakyan. Kaluluoy ang pamilya kag Kabataan. Gina agwanta lang namon ang pangabudlay sa adlaw-adlaw,” he said.

He said he hopes drivers who did not join the strike will understand why they are staging the protest.

Lilian Sembrano, president of the Kabakod Negros Transport Coalition Inc., said in a media interview that the fuel price hike affects not only the transport sector, but also drivers’ children and their families.

She said some drivers have voluntarily stopped working because of the continued fuel price increases, making it harder for them to put food on the table and support their children’s education.

“This is not just the problem of the transport sector alone, but of everyone of us,” Sembrano said in the local dialect.

“Kung indi kita subong mag-giho, san-o? Kung indi kita, sin-o ang magiho sini? Madulaon buwas damlag ang mga kabataan kag mapatay sa gutom ang mga pamilya,” she added.

Sembrano apologized to the riding public for the disruption caused by the protest, but said the transport groups were acting for the welfare of everyone.

She said fuel subsidies released by the national government were only a bandage solution and were being used by politicians to make themselves look like “hero(es).”

“Ginalingaw lang nila ang mga pumuluyo sa fuel subsidies, but it’s a form of corruption,” she said.

Sembrano also said the country has rich natural resources and could build its own oil industry if the matter were thoroughly studied.

She said the recent rollback in fuel prices after a series of hikes was only temporary, and claimed prices could still rise to as much as PHP 200 per liter in the coming weeks.

“We are here to express that the effect of this oil crisis is too much,” she said.

The protest followed a series of transport-sector rallies in Bacolod and other areas last month, as groups continued to press for fuel relief and broader government support.

Mayor Greg Gasataya called on participants to conduct their activities peacefully, as in previous protests, while the city government prepared contingency measures for affected commuters.

“We appeal to our fellow citizens who participated in the transport strike to express their concerns peacefully. Everyone has the right to voice their stand and advocate for issues they believe in,” Gasataya said.

The city government deployed at least 12 vehicles, including a bus, to provide free rides to residents affected by the strike.

The “Libre Sakay” vehicles were deployed at 6:30 a.m. and left from pick-up points at 7 a.m. for two trips.

They were deployed again at about 5 p.m. for two more trips to accommodate commuters during peak hours.

Gasataya said government operations would continue as scheduled despite the transport strike.

The city government assured the public that it would continue efforts to maintain order and deliver essential services during the protest.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region activated security measures as the three-day nationwide transport strike began Wednesday and was set to continue through Friday.

Police deployed area security and mobile patrol units to increase visibility and ensure a rapid response, while Civil Disturbance Management contingents and the Reactionary Standby Support Force remained on standby for augmentation and deployment.

The Philippine National Police also implemented its own “Libre Sakay” program to assist affected commuters and ease mobility during the strike.

A total of 75 mobile patrol vehicles were deployed across the region to support the initiative and provide transportation assistance to commuters.

Authorities advised the public to plan trips accordingly and monitor traffic advisories and alternative transportation arrangements.

The regional police office urged the public to remain calm, cooperative and respectful, stressing that maintaining order and safety is a shared responsibility.

It also assured residents that it was fully prepared to keep the transport strike peaceful, minimize inconvenience and protect community security.