By CESAR JOLITO

Transport group Bacolod Alliance for Commuters, Operators and Drivers (BACOD) – Manibela expressed disappointment over the lack of support from various sectors during a protest rally and transport strike in Bacolod City yesterday.

In an interview, BACOD-Manibela President Rudy Catedral said the demonstration, held near the flyover in Barangay Bata, turned into a “purely transport” action after only a few allied groups joined their cause.

Among those who showed support were Bayan Muna, KADAMAY and Kilusang Mayo Uno, alongside drivers and operators affiliated with the group.

Catedral noted that BACOD-Manibela is part of the broader “No to Oil Price Hike Coalition,” which includes several transport organizations, cause-oriented groups and religious sectors such as the One Negros Ecumenical Council.

However, many of these groups were not present during the strike.

Around 500 jeepney units affiliated with BACOD-Manibela participated in the transport strike from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., significantly lower than earlier expectations.

Some jeepney units continued to ply the city streets after the strike.

Catedral had previously projected that more than 5,000 individuals from different sectors would join the strike.

Despite the lower turnout, protest actions were still carried out in multiple locations across the city.

Aside from the Barangay Bata flyover, other rally points were reported at the Magsaysay flyover — where the drivers and operators under the Kabakod Negros Transport Organization gathered — as well as in Burgos and Libertad areas.

The protest primarily called attention to rising oil prices, which transport groups say continue to burden drivers and operators, prompting renewed calls for government intervention and broader sectoral support./CJ, WDJ

Caption 2

The Bacolod City government deployed “libre sakay” services in response to the transport strike by members of the transport sector yesterday, April 15, 2026. (Bacolod PIO photo)