Transport strike, rally in Bacolod City end peacefully, PRO-NIR says

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region reported a peaceful and orderly transport strike, caravan, and protest rally in the city on Monday.

A protest rally was observed at the Barangay Bata flyover, moving along Lacson Street en route to the Bacolod City Government Center in Barangay Villamonte.

Demonstrators called for an end to U.S.-Israel imperialism on Iran, the dismantling of oil monopolies, and the removal of excise taxes, among other concerns.

An estimated 80 individuals, along with 50 public utility vehicles, participated in the activity, which ran from 6:58 a.m. to 10:41 a.m.

Authorities reported no untoward incidents during the event.

The transport strike in Bacolod was part of a nationwide wave of protest actions staged by transport and progressive groups across the Philippines in response to rising fuel prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Due to the transport strike, some schools suspended classes, while the city government provided free rides to assist affected commuters.

Mayor Greg Gasataya met with transport groups to listen to their concerns and assess their situation amid ongoing fuel price hikes.

The initiative aimed to help address their issues and relay them to appropriate government agencies.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said the peaceful conduct of the transport strike reflects both public discipline and the professionalism of law enforcement personnel.

The Bacolod City Police Office deployed 151 personnel for the event, including 115 assigned to Civil Disturbance Management, 16 Special Weapons and Tactics members, and 20 covert security personnel.

An additional 56 Reactionary Standby Support Force members were placed on standby for immediate deployment if needed.