By CESAR JOLITO III
Several transport groups in Bacolod City called for public understanding as they prepare to stage a transport strike and protest rally on Monday, March 23, citing the continued surge in fuel prices and lack of sufficient government support.
Members of the transport groups are expected to gather at several gasoline stations across the city and at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.
Bacolod Alliance of Commuters and Drivers (BACOD)-Manibela President Rudy Catedral clarified that the planned transport strike and demonstrations are not driven by personal interests, but they aim to highlight the struggles faced by drivers and commuters alike due to escalating fuel costs.
BACOD-Manibela also raised concerns over the delayed distribution of fuel subsidies and other forms of assistance from the local government and national agencies.
According to the transport leaders, many drivers have yet to receive any financial aid despite ongoing economic challenges.
They stressed that existing government programs remain insufficient to ease the burden brought about by rising fuel prices, which continue to affect the livelihood of public transport operators.
The groups are urging authorities to expedite aid distribution and implement more effective measures to support the transport sector and protect commuters from further fare increases.
Security
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), through the Bacolod City Police Office, has activated comprehensive security preparations for the transport strike and protest rally.
Heightened police visibility has been implemented across major routes, identified convergence areas, transport terminals and key establishments along the planned caravan route.
Police personnel have been strategically deployed to ensure public safety, manage traffic flow and maintain peace and order.
PRO-NIR has also intensified its intelligence monitoring efforts to closely track developments and preempt any potential security concerns.
As part of the public assistance component, patrol vehicles are being readied for the Philippine National Police’s “Libreng Sakay” initiative to support commuters who may be affected by the transport strike./CJ, WDJ