Bicol militants call on halt to armed conflict, jeepney phaseout

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay—Militant groups in Bicol called on the government to put a stop to armed conflicts and the phasing out of jeepneys and tri-wheel transport vehicles as part of the modernization program of the Department of Transportation and Communications with rallies during the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution Saturday morning.

Hundreds of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Mabubukid ng Pilipinas, Gabriela, and Condor Piston Bicol members staged simultaneous protests in Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,
and Sorsogon provinces.

Vince Casilihan, Bayan Bicol spokesperson, said that they are calling on all Filipinos for continuous activism until “national freedom, democracy, and just peace” are achieved. He said that the number of atrocities brought by the Armed Forces of the Philippines even during period of ceasefire continued.

“The number of human rights abuses in the form of illegal arrest, extrajudicial killings, and militarization has increased,” Casilihan said. “Filipinos are still waiting for President Rodrigo Duterte’s promised change. Until now, he still has not put an end to contractualization. His promise to release all political prisoners for
the peace talks has not happened yet.”

Casilihan also said that the millennials should also stand for the lessons of EDSA 1.

Bayan Bicol also said that the government should advocate for “modern, efficient, pro-environment, affordable mass transportation” without sacrificing the livelihood of jeepney drivers, small operators, and
commuters.

“Instead of jeepney phaseout, the government should just rehabilitate old jeepneys and help them become environment-friendly,” Casilihan said.

Ramon Rescovilla, Condor Piston Bicol deputy secretary general, said that they will be staging a regionwide protest Monday against the jeepney phaseout. At least one university in Albay has suspended classes following the group’s announcement.

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