‘Transport strike to paralyze Negros’

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Up to 95 percent of Negros Occidental is expected to be paralyzed in today’s transport strike to protest the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program, transport groups said yesterday.

Although some schools  are suspending classes today, state employees are mandated to report to work as the provincial government will provide service vehicles in strategic areas of Bacolod City.

The United Negros Drivers Operators Center (UNDOC), Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros and Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association will lead the transport strike in the province.

At least 7,000 driver-members of UNDOC are joining the protest action, according to UNDOC secretary general Diego Malacad.

The strike will start at 5 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. in seven rally centers to be established in key areas of the city.

Both the provincial and the city police have been placed under alert.

Authorities appealed to protesters to respect the rights of motorists who would refuse to join the transport strike.

Richard Osmeña, regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Western Visayas, warned that public utility vehicle operators would face the consequences if they would pursue the strike.

Osmeña said they might give special permits to some transport operators who may want to ply the routes affected by the strike.