By Mae Singuay

Around 50 percent of the public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Bacolod City would be joining the weeklong nationwide transport strike or “untat byahe,” starting today, March 6, based on the projection of the Bacolod Alliance for Commuters Operators and Drivers (BACOD) President Rudy Catedral.

Catedral said this is a protest against the jeepney phaseout.

He also assured the public that they would peacefully hold the protest.

The group has two assembly areas from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Lopues East, Barangay Villamonte for the northern portion of the city, and Bangga Cory for the southern portion.

They would converge at the Bacolod City Government Center Grounds until 5:00 p.m.

BACOD also appealed to bring back the five-year validity of franchises.

Cathedral, also the President of the Metro Bacolod Mansilingan Drivers’ Association, said he received information that the Land Transportation Office’s anti-colorum campaign would be first implemented on PUJs with Mansilingan-Central Market routes.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office has a security plan in place for today’s activities by the transport protesters.

The local government also has standby vehicles for residents and employees affected by the strike./MS, WDJ